ISLAMABAD: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)stunned global defence circles on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow 2025by unveiling the Wing Loong X, a high-altitude long-endurance unmannedaerial vehicle equipped with advanced anti-submarine warfare systems.
The Wing Loong X marks a revolutionary leap as it is the first drone in theworld capable of independently detecting, tracking and engaging submarinesthrough sonobuoy deployment, magnetic anomaly detection and syntheticaperture radar integration, dramatically extending naval reach from the air.
Military analysts say the platform fundamentally alters undersea warfaredynamics by enabling persistent, cost-effective submarine hunting over vastoceanic areas that were previously the exclusive domain of expensive mannedmaritime patrol aircraft and surface vessels.
The drone carries up to twelve sonobuoys and lightweight torpedoes, boastsan endurance exceeding 30 hours and operates at altitudes above 50,000feet, making it virtually immune to most air defence systems whileproviding real-time data to naval command centres.
Pakistani defence sources indicate strong interest in acquiring the WingLoong X, with senior officials from the Pakistan Navy and Air Force holdingdetailed technical analysis with Chinese manufacturers on the sidelines ofthe airshow.
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Islamabad already operates earlier variants of the Wing Loong series andviews the new submarine-hunting version as critical for countering growingunderwater threats in the Arabian Sea and securing maritime trade routes.
The development comes amid heightened regional naval competition,particularly in the Indian Ocean where submarine fleets are rapidlyexpanding across multiple countries.
Source: www.janes.com/defence-news/airshow-dubai-2025″>https://www.janes.com/defence-news/airshow-dubai-2025Source: www.casc.com.cn/en/news”>https://www.casc.com.cn/en/news