China reveals large UAV, challenging the balance in the sky

Leaked images of a giant stealth aircraft flying over China are fueling speculation that Beijing is accelerating its long-range strategic UAV program.

In mid-August, some images leaked showing a large stealth flying wing aircraft, appearing in the sky of China. Although its identity has not been determined, its design matches the mysterious UAV model that the military website The War Zone published on May 14, 2025, based on satellite images taken at the Malan test base in Xinjiang.

Images taken from behind show the aircraft in takeoff or landing mode, with the landing gear down, the doors wide open, and the B-2-style split-roof flaps deployed. The fuselage has a single-piece design with a wide, flat center section, suggesting a twin-engine design, although the low resolution makes it difficult to make out details.

One notable point is that so far there is no evidence that this aircraft has a cockpit, so it is likely a UAV. However, it cannot be ruled out that this is still a piloted experimental design. The slit-shaped engine exhaust nozzles further support the hypothesis of stealth technology.

The origin of the image is also controversial. Observers say that the photo's public appearance is unlikely to be accidental, and is more likely to have been authorized or even manipulated by the Chinese government for media purposes.

Many experts believe that this is the mysterious UAV that was captured in satellite images at the Malan test base in Xinjiang in May 2025. According to Planet Labs satellite data, this UAV model has a wingspan of about 52 meters, almost equivalent to the US B-2 Spirit. Temporarily, it is called WZ-X by the international community, because its official name is not yet known.

Compared to the CH-7 flying-wing UAV previously announced by China, the WZ-X is much larger in size and has a more elongated wing shape. While the CH-7 is smaller and has a deeply curved body, the WZ-X has a flat and wide body, allowing for the integration of many sensors or communication systems. Some hypotheses suggest that it could be an upgraded version of the CH-7.

However, some details of the WZ-X are missing from the new images, such as the dome over the central fuselage or the small vertical tail that was inferred from satellite images. This leaves the connection between the two images still open to confirmation.

Although many mysteries remain, the overall characteristics - from the size, wingspan to the structure of the landing gear - all show that this is a large stealth UAV. With an optimized design for high-altitude, long-term flight, it is likely to be of the HALE type, similar to the US UAV RQ-180.

UAVs like the WZ-X are typically designed to conduct long-range reconnaissance missions, penetrating deep into enemy airspace with low risk. The spacious central fuselage also allows for the integration of satellite communications equipment, allowing for communications beyond line of sight. This is a strategic capability that China is pursuing to counter the United States.

The appearance of the photo also comes at a sensitive time, when a series of leaked images of new Chinese weapons have appeared ahead of the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan on September 3. This has raised speculation that the Beijing government is deliberately showing off its military strength to send a message of deterrence.

It remains unclear whether the stealth drone will participate in the parade. But its public exposure has been enough to attract international attention and reinforce the notion that China is accelerating its next-generation air combat program.

In addition to stealth UAVs, Beijing is also pursuing many other projects such as the J-36 three-engine fighter, the J-XDS, the “loyal companion” UAVs and especially the H-20 stealth bomber, which is kept absolutely secret. It is very likely that research on HALE UAVs such as the WZ-X will directly influence the design of the H-20.

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