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First Appearance of Chinese WJ-700 Drone by Algerian Air Force During Military Parade.
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the November 1, 1954 insurrection, marking the beginning of Algeria's war for independence, a major military parade was held to honor this historic date. For the first time, this event showcased the WJ-700 Falcon drone, now part of the Algerian Air Force’s arsenal. This High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drone, designed by the Chinese state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp (CASIC), reflects Algeria's intent to modernize and diversify its military capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions.
The Chinese WJ-700 Falcon Drone during Algeri'as military parade on November 1, 2024, commemorating the 70th Anniversary of The Liberation Revolution (Picture source: Algerian TV/CASIC)
The WJ-700 Falcon, initially unveiled at the 2018 Airshow China and having completed its first flight in January 2021, is a highly capable drone, engineered for advanced reconnaissance missions and precision strikes over extended ranges. With the ability to operate at high altitudes for prolonged periods, it can engage targets up to 100 kilometers away, providing Algeria with substantial deterrence capabilities. With a maximum takeoff weight of 3,500 kg and a payload capacity exceeding 800 kg, the WJ-700 is equipped to carry heavy armaments, including anti-ship missiles, making it a formidable asset against strategic targets such as radars, warships, and command centers.
This drone, powered by a turbojet engine and reaching speeds near 700 km/h, is optimized for high-intensity operations. Additionally, it is outfitted with electronic countermeasures, enhancing its survivability against adversarial air defense systems. Acquiring these drones is particularly significant as Morocco continues to modernize its own military capabilities, prompting Algeria to maintain a technological edge in the region.
In addition to the WJ-700, Algeria's drone fleet includes Chinese-made CH-4 and CH-3 models, which are well-suited for attack and surveillance missions. Algeria is also set to introduce the Turkish-made Aksungur drone, with six units ordered from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), along with ten Anka-S drones, further expanding its Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and strike capabilities. This diversification in Algeria’s drone suppliers reflects a strategic approach to reduce dependency on Russian technology, especially in light of recent challenges faced by the Russian defense industry in meeting international demand.
The official presentation of the WJ-700 during this commemorative parade highlights Algeria’s commitment to updating its military equipment. This show of strength comes amid increased tensions with Morocco, intensified by a recent visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Rabat. During the visit, President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Moroccan "sovereignty" over Western Sahara, a stance that prompted strong reactions from Algeria. Through this unveiling of the WJ-700 and its broader military display, Algeria aims to send a clear message to its neighbors and international partners regarding its resolve to strengthen defense capabilities and maintain strategic stability in the region.
Algeria stands apart from its neighbors by sourcing most of its military equipment from Russia and China. Historically, Algeria has maintained close ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation. This alliance has been reinforced over the decades through significant arms agreements and joint military exercises. Simultaneously, Algeria has cultivated a strategic partnership with China, marked by cooperation agreements across various sectors, including defense. In November 2022, the two countries signed a second Five-Year Strategic Cooperation Plan (2022-2026), highlighting a mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.