Key Points and Summary – Planet Labs imagery reviewed by The War Zone reveals a large, dark flying-wing drone at China’s Malan test base in Xinjiang, likely a CH-7 variant with a “cranked-kite” planform, ~137-ft wingspan, a single forward intake and rear exhaust—seen in broad daylight, suggesting little effort to hide it.
-Analysts note similarities to unofficial renderings of the U.S. RQ-180.
-Separately, China’s Changchun air show featured the first public static display of the J-20 and an eVTOL midair collision that injured a pilot.
-Naval News also flagged the AJX002 underwater minelaying drone, underscoring a rapid Chinese push in airborne and undersea unmanned systems.
Satellite Spots China’s New ‘Cranked-Kite’ Stealth Drone in Xinjiang
Does China have a new flying-wing drone? That appears to be the case, according to a report from The War Zone.
According to the report, which cited images from Planet Labs, a vehicle described as a “low-observable flying-wing drone variant with a ‘cranked kite’ planform” has been spotted at China’s test base near Malan, in the far-western Xinjiang province.
The purported new drone, TWZ reported, is likely a variant of the existing CH-7 unmanned aircraft. The photo was taken in mid-August but appeared on the Planet Labs database more recently.
The newly discovered drone, according to the report, is “very dark-colored” and has a wingspan of around 137 feet. It appears to have a “single air intake at the front of its center body section and a matching exhaust at the rear.”
The report also noted that the image was taken in broad daylight, and that it does not appear China is making any great effort to keep the drone hidden. The facility where the drone was seen has a high-security hangar, but doesn’t seem to be using it to conceal this particular vehicle..
TWZ also reported that the new drone appears to resemble “certain unofficial renderings” of the Air Force’s (HALE) RQ-180, a Northrop Grumman-developed surveillance aircraft that has never been seen in real life.
A different UAV product was introduced by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. That drone surfaced this week as a participant in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s Changchun show in northeastern China.
An Air Show Collision
The Changchun air show has made news for various reasons already, including the first-ever static display of the J-20 stealth fighter jet. While some 300 J-20s are believed to be in service, the aircraft had “appeared in aerial displays and flyovers, with the general public not yet having had the opportunity to see it up close,” Interesting Engineering reported ahead of the show.
Another news item connected to the show emerged on Tuesday afternoon: Two “flying cars,” part of a presentation there, collided in midair. According to CNN, the collision took place during a rehearsal, and one pilot was reportedly injured in the accident.
“Videos circulating online and featured in China’s state-run media showed plumes of smoke billowing from one of the vehicles, while fire trucks and ambulances raced to the scene,” CNN reported.
The cars are made by Xpeng Aeroht, a subsidiary of the Chinese electric car manufacturer Xpeng. The company told CNN that the collision took place due to “insufficient spacing.” The so-called flying cars are formally referred to as “electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles.”
“All personnel at the scene are safe, and local authorities have completed on-site emergency measures in an orderly manner,” the company told CNN of the collision.
Per the BBC, the company plans to sell the cars for about $300,000 each once they reach the market.
CNN also cited the state-run People’s Daily as stating that China had “more than 2,000 drone manufacturers and over 20,000 companies operating unmanned aerial vehicles” as of 2023.
Another (Underwater) Drone
In other drone news, Naval News reported Thursday that China recently unveiled a new underwater drone, the AJX002 underwater minelaying drone. The AJX002 made its debut at Beijing’s recent military parade.
The platform, per the report, “enhances blockade potential, particularly around Taiwan, raising strategic concerns as its covert, almost deniable nature increases the likelihood that China will use naval mines.”
China UUV Drones. Image Credit: X Screenshot.
It’s one of several extra-large underwater drones known to be part of China’s repertoire.
“In a future war with Taiwan, whether a ‘grey zone’ soft blockade, a full on blockade or outright invasion, mine laying will likely play an important role in the Chinese strategy,” Naval News reported. “The AJX002 will bring new dimensions to that, adding a covert, almost deniable, means to sow minefields around the island, and potentially further afield.”
About the Author: Stephen Silver
Stephen Silver is an award-winning journalist, essayist, and film critic, and contributor to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Broad Street Review, and Splice Today. The co-founder of the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, Stephen lives in suburban Philadelphia with his wife and two sons. For over a decade, Stephen has authored thousands of articles that focus on politics, national security, technology, and the economy. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @StephenSilver, and subscribe to his Substack newsletter.
More Military
The B-58 Hustler Mach 2 Bomber: The Air Force’s Big Blunder?
Russia’s Su-33 Flanker Fighter Mistake Still Stings
The Navy’s Columbia-Class Submarine Mistake Still Stings
4 Hellfire Missiles, 3 Harpoon Missiles and More: The Navy Couldn’t Sink Its Own Destroyer
The Midway-Class Aircraft Carriers Have A Message for the U.S. Navy
Jarhead
September 25, 2025 at 8:01 am
300 J20s in service? Perhaps 300 J20 in service consider correct #, J20s probable less than 10 or still in testing phase?