A simulation photo of stealth drone CH-7. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Several countries, including the United States, Russia and France, are developing stealth combat drones; for instance, the RQ-170 and X-47B from the US, and France’s Dassault nEUROn. However, they are either not available in the international market or are simply for experimental purposes rather than mass production. Therefore, the CH-7 will be the sole option for purchasers wishing to field stealth combat drones, sources said.

According to the academy, the CH-7 features a high operational altitude, fast speed, long flight duration and outstanding survivability, and is intended for missions such as strategic reconnaissance, electronic surveillance and high-value target elimination.