Foreign Media: China's New Maritime Combat Drone is Expected to Achieve Global Success
According to a report by Defense News on February 12, 2026: In addition to the high-profile display of the J-35A fighter at the China Air Show, there was another relatively low-key equipment that attracted attention, which is the new "Yilong X" combat drone. Experts believe that this drone is more likely to achieve success in the international market.
Beijing used the Asia's largest aerospace exhibition—the Singapore Airshow held from February 3 to 7—to showcase its aviation strength and attract more customers.
In the center of the giant pavilion of China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC), the top Chinese aerospace manufacturer, a model of the "Yilong X" drone was placed. This is the latest member of the "Yilong" family making its debut in Southeast Asia, designed specifically for maritime surveillance and strike missions.
Although China's military equipment may have been overlooked in the past, experts say the situation has changed, and China's systems are now receiving more attention, especially in the field of drones.
"China's products are not only attracting attention in the West, but their aircraft and combat drones are also seen as competitors—these systems are closing the performance gap with American counterparts while significantly lower costs," said Andreas Lüprecht, a scholar specializing in Chinese military aviation.
Considering China's strong export performance in unmanned systems, the "Yilong X" may find similar success among customers looking to enhance their maritime capabilities.
"The Yilong series and Rainbow drone series have been sold to dozens of countries; for those countries that cannot obtain or afford Western systems due to cost, export controls, or political restrictions, this new drone is likely to enter their procurement lists," said Federico Borsari, a resident researcher at the European Policy Analysis Center.
At an exhibition in China in 2024, AVIC displayed the prototype of the drone, equipped with different maritime weapon systems, including sonar buoy dispensers under the wings and electric propulsion torpedoes. However, at the Singapore Airshow, while the physical performance and 24-meter wingspan of the "Yilong X" were exhibited, the manufacturer did not provide information on payload options.
The existing users of China-made "Yilong" drones include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Pakistan, Morocco, Algeria, Indonesia, and Nigeria. It is reported that in 2024, the Royal Saudi Air Force achieved a new milestone with its "Yilong II" fleet, accumulating 5,000 flight hours.
Borsari believes that some of these countries could become potential repeat customers for the new drone, intending to integrate it into their navies.
The success of the "Yilong X" will largely depend on its price tag—something where China has traditionally had an advantage when competing with more expensive Western platforms.
Statement: The above equipment data comes from a report by Defense News.
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Original: toutiao.com/article/1856961027305483/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.