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China unveils new WZ-9 drone amid advancements in military aviation

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China unveils new WZ-9 drone amid advancements in military aviation
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A video has surfaced online reportedly showing China's new military drone, the Wuzhen-9 or "Divine Eagle," in flight. This drone is believed to be an Airborne Early Warning aircraft and marks one of several end-of-year reveals by China, which also includes two advanced fighter jets. Among these, one could potentially be China's first sixth-generation fighter.

The WZ-9 drone's design is distinctive with a twin-boom structure and features a smaller wing at the front serving as a horizontal stabilizer, while the main wing and two vertical stabilizers are positioned at the rear. The single jet engine is mounted on top of the main wing.

"The sighting comes close on the heels of Beijing flying two new claimed sixth-generation aircraft – a regional stealth bomber and a smaller fighter jet. This also displays how the PLA is realizing its vision of a heavily 'mechanized' and automated military, as advocated in its successive defense white papers," according to The Aviationist.

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Reports suggest that this UAV is designed for early warning purposes to detect low-visibility targets such as stealth-equipped aircraft. One boom carries what appears to be a satellite communication antenna dish, with speculation that antennas might be present on both booms.

Questions remain about whether this was the first flight for the drone or if it was simply the first time it was filmed. Details about its sensors and autonomy level are not yet available.

China's advancements in military technology mark a significant shift from its past reliance on Soviet-designed equipment. Professor Justin Bronks from Rusi notes that China's Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon now surpasses Russia's Su-57 Felon in terms of advancement.

Recently, China has unveiled three new fighter jets: the J-35A variant for aircraft carriers, an experimental sixth-generation fighter jet with three engines, and another smaller fighter jet whose manned status remains unclear. Additionally, China is working towards producing its own jet engines, reducing dependence on Russian technology.

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