A Chinese WZ-7 high-altitude UAV specifically developed for ISR missions has been spotted over the Philippines.
The Defense Post reports a local journalist spotted the UAV over the West Philippine Sea. WZ-7’s sighting before the Balikatan-2024 joint military exercise with the U.S. suggests China is attempting to gather intelligence with its new platform.
WZ-7 is one of the newest platforms in China’s line of jet-powered high-altitude UAVs. Like its U.S.-made counterpart, RQ-4 Global Hawk, it is intended to perform ISR missions at high altitudes where it can stay away from most air defence systems and perform wide-area surveys. WZ-7’s design differs to some degree from the joint-wing layout, which provides increased lift without the losses experienced in biplane designs.
Balikatan-2024’s location is believed to be in a region facing Taiwan, which contributes to the possibility of China both showing a flag and trying to spy with WZ-7. Taiwan is also not a stranger to Chinese aircraft flying near its airspace due to the dispute stemming from China’s unification efforts.
Chinese High-Altitude UAV Flies Over Philippines
