The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) presented a new, long-range surveillance and strike drone that could be of great help to China in the event of conflicts.
The device named KVD002 is based on the previous CH-4 design, its improved version.
The drone will serve as part of the ground forces in the future. Chinese state media highlighted that it is the first asset in the military capable of conducting coordinated operations with helicopters, whether in combat operations, combat reconnaissance or providing fire support. The device is also capable of short take-offs and landings.
According to the published documents, the KVD002 can carry a total of two AR-01 surface-to-air missiles.
They said that the CH-4 drone, which is the basis of the development, can stay in the air for a total of 30 hours after takeoff and can produce a maximum speed of 230 km/h. It can carry about 350 kilograms of weight.
According to reports, the new development has already been tested several times in the disputed waters around Taiwan.
The cover image is an illustration. Cover image credit: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images
