China's Wing Loong II attack drone has entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone for the first time

Chinese aircraft have once again entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone. Moreover, the Ministry of National Defence of the island state for the first time announced the use of Wing Loong II.

Here's What We Know

On 3 October 2023, the Wing Loong II was spotted in the southwest quadrant of the air defence identification zone, north of Pratas Island. The drone has been in service with the Chinese army for five years, but has only now entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone for the first time.

The Wing Loong II is a development by AVIC. The drone can strike ground targets as well as perform reconnaissance, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Three antennas allow intercepted signals to be transmitted to ground stations, and there are six weapon mounting points under the wings.

China is actively exporting the Wing Loong II. The drone's buyers include countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The UAV also serves as a platform for testing new technologies. It is possible that China tested something when it sent a drone into Taiwan's air defence identification zone.

Source: Janes