Chinese Combat Drones Secure Global Market Lead in Counterterrorism

Wang Zhaokui, an executive responsible for unmanned aircraft operations at the Beijing-based academy, noted that since the first overseas sale in 2003, the Caihong (Rainbow) drones have been widely deployed across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. These drones have become crucial assets in anti-terror missions, logging nearly 70,000 flight hours over 12,000 sorties and achieving a remarkable 98.2 percent strike success rate with over 2,000 munitions deployed.

"Our foreign clients have described the Caihong series as 'sharp weapons for counterterrorism operations,' generating approximately $2 billion in revenue for China," Wang said.

The CH-4 model has emerged as the most successful in the Caihong lineup, with over 100 units delivered globally, making it China's top-selling armed drone. One customer in the Middle East reportedly chose the CH-4 after evaluating similar models from the US, Europe, Israel, and Russia, citing the CH-4's superior cost-efficiency at roughly 30 percent less than comparable Western alternatives.

The academy's newest offering, the CH-9 heavy-duty strike drone, was showcased at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong, last November. With a maximum takeoff weight of 5 metric tons, the CH-9 boasts eight external weapon pylons, a range of 11,500 kilometers, and an endurance of up to 40 hours. It can autonomously identify targets, adjust flight paths, and carry a broad range of munitions, including air-to-air missiles, bombs, and loitering munitions, making it a formidable asset for long-range missions.

The CAAA, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, has also exported drone assembly lines to two countries, making it the first Chinese firm to offer this capability internationally. Beyond military applications, the company has fielded modified CH-3 models for civilian tasks, including mineral prospecting and aerial surveys, further broadening its market reach.

"Our drones have played a critical role in enhancing the defense capabilities of our partners and strengthening China's diplomatic ties," Wang emphasized.