Wing Loong II
Chinese unmanned combat aerial vehicle, prominent in the 21st century, extensively deployed for surveillance and strike operations. Key figures: top speed 370 km/h, range 1,000 km, service ceiling 9,000 m, max takeoff weight 4,200 kg, unit price $2M, built 100. In service with 2 air forces as of 2026 β Nigeria (5), Pakistan (3).
| Length | 11 m (36.1 ft) |
| Wingspan | 20.5 m (67.3 ft) |
| Empty weight | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 Γ piston engine |
| Maximum speed | 370 km/h (230 mph) |
| Operational range | 1,000 km (621 mi) |
| Endurance | 32 hours |
| Service ceiling | 9,000 m (29,528 ft) |
1 loss recorded here in the 2026 Iran Conflict.
Recent Events β Wing Loong II
1 event β
Description
The Wing Loong II, also known as Pterodactyl II, is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Primarily intended for surveillance and reconnaissance, it also possesses strike capabilities, making it a key part of China's push into the growing military drone market.
Development
The development of the Wing Loong II came as a successor to the earlier Wing Loong I. This next iteration was an answer to the increasing global demand for armed drones, with the Chinese industry aiming to provide a more affordable alternative to Western counterparts like the MQ-9 Reaper. It also represented China's endeavor to capture a larger share of the international arms market, specifically in regions where western arms sales are restricted.
Design
The UAV's design draws several parallels with the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper:
- Configuration: It has a conventional UAV design with a V-tail, mid-wings, and a single pusher propeller.
- Engine: Powered by a piston engine, it drives a three-blade propeller.
- Avionics: The Wing Loong II is equipped with an electro-optical sensor turret, satellite communication dome, and other advanced avionics that allow for both reconnaissance and precision strikes.
- Armament: It can carry a range of weapons, including air-to-surface missiles and laser-guided bombs.
Operational History
Operational history of Wing Loong II has seen it exported to several countries:
- Exports: Multiple countries, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, have expressed interest or have reportedly acquired the Wing Loong II. It has been considered an affordable alternative to other available systems, especially for countries with restricted access to Western UAVs.
- Combat: The Wing Loong II has seen combat in various regions, particularly in Libya, where it has been deployed by the United Arab Emirates in support of the Libyan National Army (LNA). There, it conducted reconnaissance and strike missions.
The Wing Loong II underscores China's ambition to become a major player in the global arms market. Its competitive pricing and comparable capabilities have made it a sought-after drone for many countries looking to bolster their aerial reconnaissance and strike capabilities.
Identified in 1 sorties in the official China-Taiwan Tensions activity reports between 2023 and 2023 β a floor, not a census: only sorties the source identified by type are counted, and how much it disclosed varies by year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of aircraft is the Wing Loong II?
What is the maximum speed of the Wing Loong II?
What is the range of the Wing Loong II?
When did the Wing Loong II first fly?
How many Wing Loong II have been built?
Which countries operate the Wing Loong II?
How much does a Wing Loong II cost?
What is the service ceiling of the Wing Loong II?
- AUG 12026 Updated Manufacturer updated
- APR 82026 Updated Empty weight added
- APR 72026 Updated Picture credits updated in a site-wide editorial pass
- FEB 72026 Updated Endurance updated
- JAN 122026 Updated Range updated in a site-wide editorial pass