Chinese UAVs Deployed Near North Korean Border

Chinese UAVs Deployed Near North Korean Border

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China has deployed two Xianglong HALE UAV to a recently renovated airfield not far from the border with North Korea. The platform, identified by its unique box wing design and ‘V’ shaped vertical stabilizers, is often considered China’s answer to the U.S.-built Global Hawk, which is known for its broad overview and systematic surveillance features.

New satellite imagery from Digital Globe shows that China has deployed the Guizhou Aviation Industry Group (GAIG) high altitude long endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to Yishuntun airbase in Jilin province.

The UAV are the only aircraft that have been observed at the airfield. According to Jane’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Targets, the platform has a cruising speed around 405 kt (about 700 km/h), an operating altitude of 18,000 m, and a range of 3,780 n miles (about 7,000 km).

In total, seven Soar Dragon have been observed at three locations: three at Shigatse, two at Lingshui and now two at Yishuntun, according to offiziere.ch.

Yishuntun is approximately 200 miles (about 320 km) from the North Korean border.