China's Massive Buildup Of ‘Loyal Wingman’ Drones Seen Ahead Of PLA Parade

New images of China’s “loyal wingman” drones, also known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), have surfaced ahead of a major military parade in Beijing, TheWarZone has reported.

The pictures show several of the uncrewed aircraft expected to make their public debut, alongside other new military hardware.

At least five loyal wingman drones were expected to appear at the parade, based on earlier satellite images of preparations reported by TWZ. Some designs may be higher-performance uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) with advanced levels of autonomy, while retaining the ability to work alongside manned aircraft.

The parade is also set to feature the GJ-11 Sharp Sword stealth flying-wing UCAV and smaller medium-altitude long-endurance drones.

One of the new drones seen in the images has a strong resemblance to the FH-97, which draws inspiration from the U.S. XQ-58A Valkyrie. This drone has a traditional wing and tail layout with a top-mounted air intake and angular vertical stabilizers that match the FH-97 and XQ-58. Comparisons have also been made to the U.S. YFQ-42A, though that model has trapezoidal stabilizers.

The FH-97 series is developed by Aerospace Times Feihong Technology Corporation, a subsidiary of state-run CASC. The company previously showed a different variant, the FH-97A, which closely resembles Boeing Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat. The current design may represent an addition to the FH-97 line.

Two other drone designs seen in the images are tailless with modified delta wings. One has a slender nose in front of a wide body, while the other has a broader nose and central section. Both are much larger than the FH-97-like drone and could indicate higher performance.

Two more tailless designs with diamond-shaped or cranked-kite wings have been spotted in satellite imagery but remain mostly unseen.

The images provide a first look at China’s growing uncrewed combat fleet and give a sense of what the PLA plans to display at the parade on September 3. Analysts and enthusiasts will be watching closely to see which drones are fully operational and which remain prototypes.