The author, Du Wenlong, is the Director of the Network Research Center of the China Military Culture Research Association and the Chief Advisor of the Military Section of Xinhua News Agency.
China is testing high-speed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of delivering a 600kg payload to the United States from 8000 kilometers away.
According to reports from multiple media outlets including the South China Morning Post, China is conducting trials of a new type of high-speed UAV. Its appearance is similar to the MD-22 showcased before at the Zhuhai Airshow, but visibly larger, indicating that China is currently prioritizing hypersonic UAVs in its development process alongside hypersonic missile research, in stark contrast to the technological path pursued by the United States.
Previously, the United States employed high-speed UAVs for reconnaissance during the Cold War era, followed by various deterrence flights. However, in the new generation of manned and unmanned cooperative UAVs, they have opted for subsonic options like the “Valkyrie,” part of Russia’s S-70 series. Only China is developing such high-speed UAVs capable of intercontinental flights, marking it as an absolute strategic version of UAVs.
This UAV boasts exceptional performance, akin to the US F-22 fighter jet, touted as the epitome of fifth-generation aircraft globally. However, there are significant differences when comparing it to the UAVs we are currently testing. Materials indicate a crucial factor lies in the thrust-to-drag ratio. For the F-22 series, if the Mach 2 thrust-to-drag ratio reaches 4, while our UAV at Mach 6 is still at 4, it demonstrates strong comprehensive capabilities during supersonic flight, significantly enhancing the radius of action.
Many fighter jets suffer from short range, such as the F-35. From this perspective, our UAV can achieve excellent results during supersonic flights, allowing for intercontinental range planning.
This UAV is remarkable. Currently, the United States is reconsidering its pursuit of hypersonic missile development, acknowledging it can’t keep up with China or Russia. They are opting to shift towards reusable high-speed UAVs.
If we continue to advance in this UAV development, perhaps even reaching a high starting point now, the US won’t be able to catch up with us. We have surpassed the performance of various aircraft types the US is currently developing and using. This UAV may ultimately become a new type of equipment for strategic attacks.
As we previously discussed the triad concept – land-based intercontinental missiles, submarine-launched intercontinental missiles, coupled with airstrikes by nuclear-armed bombers – with the gradual popularization of the unmanned intelligent network, the form of future warfare is undergoing revolutionary changes. While the traditional triad’s survivability and striking power may diminish, new means of attack based on unmanned networks could emerge.
If our UAV can indeed achieve Mach 7 over 8000 kilometers and drop a 600kg payload, then practically anything can be delivered. If we upscale the size slightly, reduce the speed a bit, payloads could potentially exceed one ton. If so, we would have another means of attack during assaults. Therefore, nuclear strikes aren’t necessarily limited to intercontinental missile warheads or under the bellies of combat bombers.
Whether placed within the UAV’s bomb bay or executed as a suicide nuclear attack, it becomes another means of attack. From this perspective, the new triad may break the previous pattern. Observing the MD-22 UAV at airshows feels almost science fiction-like, resembling an alien fleet. If it conceptualizes and prototypes within our arsenal, undergoing flight tests, it indicates significant progress in our strategic deterrence and strike capabilities.
We particularly hope this UAV will make a public appearance at airshows, especially quantifying its performance data. This will bolster our confidence.
Therefore, facing increasingly complex security situations in our surroundings, possessing superior weaponry gives us greater peace of mind.