Algeria purchased and adopted Chinese WJ-700 drones

Algeria's military demonstrated the latest WJ-700 attack drones purchased from China for the first time.

Here's What We Know

Algeria has purchased a high-altitude, long-endurance drone from the Chinese aerospace corporation CASIC. The deal was part of the country's strategy to diversify its arms suppliers, given the growing tensions in the region.

The WJ-700 reconnaissance and strike UAV, which was first presented at the Airshow China in 2018, made its maiden flight in January 2021.

The drone is designed to perform complex reconnaissance operations and deliver precision strikes over long distances.

The WJ-700 has a low-slung wing, V-shaped tailplane and three-point landing gear. It is equipped with a turbojet engine and is capable of reaching a speed of about 700 km/h.

The drone has a maximum take-off weight of 3,500 kg, a payload of over 800 kg, a flight duration of 20 hours, and a practical ceiling of 12 km.

The drone is also equipped with an automatic take-off and landing system, and its arsenal includes CM-502KG anti-ship missiles and CM-102 anti-radar missiles, which allows it to hit strategically important targets.

Source: Militarnyi