PLA shows off new UCAV, while CH-5 achieves sale to Iraq
The KVD002, presumed to be a customised variant of the CH-4, has entered PLA service. (Photo: Chinese internet)
China's aerospace industry continues to develop and sell advanced UAVs both at home and on the international market and has displayed UCAVs at the China Helicopter Exhibition in Tianjin.
The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is an avid user of UCAVs, with the likes of the Wing Loong II and WZ-10 in its inventory. Now, the PLA ground force has adopted similar UCAVs while, farther afield, Iraq has likely emerged as the first customer for the CH-5.
At the China Helicopter Exhibition in Tianjin, held from 14-17 September, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) exhibited a KVD002 UCAV, which it claimed was the service’s first reconnaissance and strike UAV.
The PLA said the platform can conduct long-endurance reconnaissance, and perform precision strikes against targets such as air defence weapons,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![What might next-generation military aircrew training look like?]()
What might next-generation military aircrew training look like?
Changing roles for combat aircraft fleets, the rise of simulation and LVC technologies, and the increasing cost of flight hours could all be leading to a paradigm shift in military pilot training.
-
![2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate]()
2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate
This year’s (geo)political turmoil has challenged many long-prevailing assumptions, leading to far-reaching consequences for air forces and their supplier bases in industry worldwide – with five key trends in review for 2025.
-
![Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans]()
Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans
With a rising defence budget and equipment list, Poland’s air market is set to grow as the country continues to modernise its transport and helicopter fleets while seeking out uncrewed aerial vehicles and loitering munitions.
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
