The Chinese state-owned defense conglomerate Norinco has unveiled the Feilong-300D, a low-cost suicide drone that closely resembles the Iranian Shahed-136, attracting international attention after reports that its unit price could be around $10,000.
Revealed at the Zhuhai Airshow, the model was described as being of simple construction, powered by a piston engine using regular gasoline, which, according to reports, would favor mass production and low maintenance costs.
Sources cited by the South China Morning Post claim that the Feilong-300D is designed to target armored vehicles, conduct surveillance, and carry out reconnaissance missions, capable of flying long distances (simulations show it can reach up to 1,000 km), evade defenses, and cooperate with aircraft and ground missile systems. The drone can carry different types of warheads, making it adaptable to various tactical needs, while its delta-wing design contributes to an extended range with the same power.
Experts compare the alleged price of the Feilong to other models on the market, which are significantly more expensive, such as the Lancet loitering munition ($75–80k) and the Russian version of the Shahed (Geran, $125–150k), highlighting China’s potential to compete in the global market for low-cost drones.
Norinco’s possible business strategy would be to target countries with smaller budgets by offering a cheap, disposable weapon, reinforcing the ongoing trend of loitering munitions proliferation in contemporary conflicts.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @Defence_IDA | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
China Unveils $10,000 “Shahed-Style” Suicide Drone.
China’s defense powerhouse Norinco has introduced the Feilong-300D, a low-cost loitering munition that bears a striking resemblance to Iran’s Shahed-136 drone.
Unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show, this system has set off global… pic.twitter.com/8iQKF0ema9— International Defence Analysis (@Defence_IDA) November 4, 2025
