China’s unveiling of its advanced attack drones has garnered significant attention in global defence circles, signaling a fast-evolving area of competition with the United States. According to The Financial Times, one of the most notable developments is the updated Feihong FH-97A, a “loyal wingman” drone. A prototype of the drone was showcased at the Zhuhai Air Show in southern China last month, drawing attention for its enhanced weapons bay, which allows it to carry out both air and ground strikes. Designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft, the FH-97A can also be launched from aircraft carriers, offering a strategic advantage for China’s growing military capabilities.
The growing prominence of drones, particularly wingman drones, comes amidst the broader context of the global arms race accelerated by the war in Ukraine. Drones have played a pivotal role on both sides of the conflict, influencing militaries worldwide to incorporate unmanned technology into their arsenals. As tensions between China and the US continue to rise—particularly over Taiwan, which Beijing views as part of its territory—wingman drones have become a focal point in the competition for air superiority, according to experts cited by The Financial Times.
Military analysts assert that the future of warfare will hinge on a technological duel between drones and anti-drone systems. Ni Lexiong, a Shanghai-based military expert, emphasized the growing significance of drones like the FH-97A, predicting that “the future of war will be competition between drone and anti-drone technology.” China’s development of these drones is seen as an effort to catch up with the US, particularly in terms of operating alongside advanced fighter jets like the J-20 stealth aircraft. However, Peter Layton, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, cautioned that showcasing drone models at airshows does not guarantee operational success, as detailed information on China’s drone capabilities remains scarce.
The FH-97A, developed by Aerospace Times Feihong Technology Corp, is designed for high-intensity combat, with its ability to operate in confrontational and prolonged engagements. It can lead swarms of smaller drones while also accompanying manned fighter jets, acting as a “wingman” under the control of the pilot. This drone, according to Ni, exemplifies four key trends in modern weaponry: unmanned, miniaturized, intelligent, and stealthy.
The increasing focus on wingman drones comes as militaries around the world seek ways to enhance their aerial capabilities while reducing the costs associated with piloted aircraft. The US is also advancing its own programme for collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), aiming to develop loyal wingman drones to complement its fighter jets. Sash Tusa, an aerospace analyst, highlighted the potential benefits of such technology, including restoring scale as manned aircraft become increasingly expensive, enhancing geographical coverage, and boosting weapon loadouts. However, Tusa also noted that it would take leading powers, such as the US or China, five to 10 years to fully deploy these technologies, with cost-effective production being a major obstacle.
While both China and the US are rapidly developing wingman drones, there are indications that China’s drones may hold an edge, especially given their ability to perform ground strikes. According to Layton, the US and its allies, including Australia, are focusing more on drones that are designed to carry sensors rather than weapons, which limits the size and payload of the aircraft. In contrast, China’s drones appear better suited for a broader range of combat roles.
Looking ahead, experts predict that the global arms race for loyal wingman drones will be critical in the coming decades, with both China and the US expected to deploy hundreds of these drones by the end of the decade. As The Financial Times reports, the US aims to have 150 loyal wingmen operational within this timeframe, relying heavily on artificial intelligence to manage the complexities of these unmanned systems. However, while these developments have significant implications for the future of aerial combat, experts remain cautious, as the true capabilities of these drones on the battlefield remain uncertain.
