Exclusive: China unveils new Wing Loong-X naval warfare drone capable of launching anti-ship missiles.

As reported by Global Times on November 13, 2024, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) officially introduced the Wing Loong-X UAV at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai. The Wing Loong-X is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle designed for multi-role functionality, including maritime escort, anti-submarine warfare, air close support, anti-radiation strikes, low-altitude alert and interception, and maritime search and rescue. Built to address combat needs in long-range scenarios, this UAV provides a range of capabilities aimed at operating across various combat environments and domains.
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In the anti-submarine role, the Wing Loong-X's configuration includes payloads for sonar buoy deployment, radar pods for detection, and ET-60 electric anti-submarine torpedoes. (Picture source: Weibo)

The Wing Loong-X UAV is structured for a heavy payload and long-range operation, and it integrates features and technology developed from the existing Wing Loong series. The aircraft has undergone regular test flights and inherits prior operational experience while incorporating recent technological advancements in UAV systems. The design of the Wing Loong-X reflects an effort to address customer demands for multi-tasking UAV platforms with independent intellectual property rights. Currently in the test flight phase, the UAV combines reconnaissance and strike capabilities, as well as cross-domain coordination and emergency response functions.

A highlight of the Wing Loong-X’s introduction at the air show was the public debut of its anti-submarine warfare configuration. This variant is equipped with specialized payloads, including sonar buoy pods, torpedoes, air-to-air missiles, and air-to-ship missiles, allowing it to conduct anti-submarine missions and secure specific maritime areas. According to Tang Yong, the UAV’s chief designer, the anti-submarine variant can perform essential tasks for area control, such as wide-area maritime reconnaissance, submarine search and attack, long-range patrols, and integration into coordinated system operations. Tang explained that this configuration’s anti-submarine patrols allow for coverage and surveillance of critical areas, enhancing systemized marine security and operations.

At the air show, AVIC displayed the UAV’s capability for various combat operations beyond anti-submarine missions. The Wing Loong-X can perform full-domain reconnaissance and strike, operate in electronic reconnaissance and interference roles, relay communications, and provide support in both maritime and land scenarios. The UAV is equipped with different payloads, including torpedoes, electronic warfare pods, and several missile types, allowing for versatile mission configurations. Specific weapons compatible with the Wing Loong-X include the LD-8A anti-radiation missile, PL-12 and PL-10 air-to-air missiles, YJ-9 and CM-400AKG anti-ship missiles, and LS-6 250kg and 500kg guided bombs. Additionally, it can support jamming tasks through payloads like the CRJP jamming pod.

In the anti-submarine role, the UAV configuration includes payloads for sonar buoy deployment, radar pods for detection, and ET-60 electric anti-submarine torpedoes. These tools allow the Wing Loong-X to conduct missions such as maritime patrols, wide-area surveillance, and submarine engagement, offering extended flight time to support continuous operations in expansive maritime zones. Tang Yong also noted that the Wing Loong-X’s endurance provides added value for long-duration operations, contributing to the formation of an anti-submarine network that can effectively cover large areas and coordinate with other UAVs and manned systems to address submarine threats.

At this exhibition, the Wing Loong-X UAV and over 20 other AVIC-developed UAVs, including those in the Wing Loong and Cloud Shadow series, were displayed collectively. The AVIC aims for the Wing Loong-X to fill roles in cross-domain support, combat adaptability in counter-environment scenarios, and emergency rescue operations. This air show appearance marks a significant point in the testing and demonstration phase of the Wing Loong-X UAV, highlighting its full integration of operational capacities for various defense scenarios.