Egypt Buys Chinese WJ-700 Drones – Deal Confirmed
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WJ-700: China’s New High-Speed, Long-Endurance Combat Drone
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Published December 21, 2023, 10:01 AM PST. Updated December 21, 2025, 10:01 AM PST.
Overview of the WJ-700
The WJ-700 is a jet-propelled unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed in China. It distinguishes itself from many currently deployed drones through its use of a turbojet engine, enabling significantly higher speeds and operational altitudes.Reports indicate a potential deal involving this drone, suggesting growing interest in its capabilities.
The drone is manufactured by the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Air Force Technology reports that the WJ-700 is designed for long-range reconnaissance and strike missions.
Key Specifications and Capabilities
The WJ-700 boasts notable specifications that position it as a formidable platform in the drone landscape:
- Speed: Up to 700 kilometers per hour (approximately 435 mph).
- Altitude: Service ceiling of up to 15,000 meters (approximately 50,000 feet).
- endurance: Up to 20 hours of flight time.
- payload Capacity: Up to 800 kilograms (approximately 1,764 pounds).
These specifications are especially noteworthy. The high speed allows the WJ-700 to quickly reach targets and evade potential interception.The high altitude provides an advantage in contested airspace, placing it outside the range of many conventional air defense systems. The combination of long endurance and substantial payload capacity enables extended missions with a significant offensive capability.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Speed | 700 km/h (435 mph) |
| Altitude | 15,000 m (50,000 ft) |
| Endurance | 20 hours |
| Payload Capacity | 800 kg (1,764 lbs) |
Weaponry and Mission Profile
The WJ-700 is designed to carry a diverse range of weaponry, expanding its operational flexibility. Reported weapon options include:
- CM-102 Missiles: designed for the suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD). globalsecurity.org details the CM-102 as a precision-guided missile.
- C-705