CH-7 Chinese Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is shifting the role of its CH-7 stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from a strategic armed reconnaissance asset to a tactical stealth surveillance platform. This information was reported by Chinese state-owned media during Airshow China 2024. The state-owned newspaper Global Times describes the CH-7 as a "peer competitor" to the Northrop Grumman RQ-180, which is currently in service with the U.S. Air Force. The RQ-180 is designed to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations in areas protected by adversary air-defense systems. Aerospace CH UAV Co, a Chinese firm involved in the development of the CH-7, noted that the UAV made its debut at Airshow China in 2018 as a stealth reconnaissance and strike platform for strategic operations. However, developments in modern warfare and changing client demands have led to a transformation of the UAV's role into that of a "stealth early warning" platform.