China unveils ‘swarm carrier’ drone with payload comparable to fighter jets

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the state-owned company behind the mammoth drone, said it can carry a “wide range of weapons and equipment comparable to those carried by modern fighter jets and bombers”. open image in gallery A woman takes a selfie next to a Jetank UAV during the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai The drone has a significant use for the battlefield with its situational awareness and remote control capability via satellite link, said Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military aviation expert, detailing that the drone has its own radar system and an electro-optical pod at its nose. At the almost week-long air show, China showcased its latest variant of the J-35A stealth fighter, the larger J-20 stealth fighter, a stealthy drone designated the CH-7, and the HQ-19 air defence system. open image in gallery People watch the Bayi Aerobatic Team of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force perform during the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai China also demonstrated its pull on the world stage by welcoming a delegation from Saudi Arabia with its first pavilion at the event as well as close ties with Russia by hosting the secretary of the Russian security council, Sergei Shoigu, at the air show on Thursday.