China has begun testing the LOONG M9, an attack and reconnaissance drone that promises to expand the country’s operational capacity in using long-range loitering munitions.
The aircraft, which resembles the Russian Geran and Iranian Shahed models, can carry up to 50 kg of payload, including explosive warheads or optical sensors, and has a range of 1,620 km.
Designed with versatility in mind, the LOONG M9 achieves a maximum speed of 223 km/h and can stay airborne for up to nine hours. The system operates with a protected transmission channel and does not rely on GPS, enhancing its resistance to electronic warfare interference. For reconnaissance missions, it features a wide-angle infrared camera and an AI module that assists in night operations or low-visibility environments.
The manufacturer also claims that the drone can operate at altitudes of up to 4,500 meters, extending its use in different scenarios. The tests are taking place amidst a rapidly evolving technological landscape, recently marked by the appearance of Shahed drones equipped with air-to-air R-60 missiles, indicating a growing militarization trend of these platforms.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @OSINTWarfare | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
China is testing the LOONG M9, a new loitering munition from LOONG UAV that closely resembles the Iranian Shahed-136.
The drone reportedly carries a 50 kg payload, has a 200 kg takeoff weight, and reaches speeds up to 223 km/h with a range of 1,620 km and 8–9 hours of endurance.… pic.twitter.com/cFBe1ElJRS
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