The Wing Loong-10B received immediate favor from wealthy Saudi Arabia upon its first export, as they hesitated none in purchasing the quantity equivalent to two squadrons.
Saudi Arabia's favoritism towards this drone is evident, not only making significant purchases but also planning for local production.
So, why is Saudi Arabia so enamored with the Wing Loong-10B?
And why is China generously selling this new high-end drone to Saudi Arabia and allowing them to produce it domestically?
Today, let's delve into this issue.
The Wing Loong-10B is a multifunctional drone with reconnaissance and strike capabilities, capable of executing various missions, even engaging in self-destruct when necessary.
Its dorsal intake design not only enhances aerodynamic efficiency and engine intake performance but also reduces the likelihood of radar detection.
Simultaneously, the use of special materials and structural design reduces radar cross-section, enabling it to fly for extended periods at high altitudes without being easily detected.
The Wing Loong-10B has a cruising speed of up to 620 kilometers per hour and can sustain flight for 20 hours at 15,000 meters altitude.
Therefore, it is hailed as the "aerial ghost."
In addition to its long-endurance capability, the Wing Loong-10B can carry up to 900 kilograms of air-to-ground weapons, including guided bombs, rockets, and lightweight anti-ship missiles.
These features make the Wing Loong-10B highly sought after by Saudi elites.
It's well-known that Saudi Arabia possesses substantial wealth and began purchasing American F15 and F16 fighter jets over twenty years ago.
However, they lack top-notch weapons and well-trained soldiers.
Even with numerous fighter jets, without an adequate number of pilots, they are of little use.
This is where the advantage of drones becomes apparent.
The sensors equipped on the Wing Loong-10B provide it with advantages such as all-weather surveillance, long-range communication, jamming resistance, and precise navigation.
Whenever the Saudi Air Force deploys the Wing Loong-10B, they can monitor surrounding airspace in real-time and transmit intelligence without the need for pilots to be deployed.
In emergency situations, it can also self-destruct, eliminating the risk of casualties for Saudi Arabia.
During the initial purchase, Saudi Arabia bought 12-24 drones, which is still insufficient to meet their needs.
Due to Saudi Arabia's fondness for this drone, their orders also include technology transfer, hoping to achieve local production.
Why did China agree to technology transfer and allow Saudi Arabia to produce it domestically?
Despite the advanced technology of the Wing Loong-10B, China also has drones like the Wing Loong-3 for intercontinental missions.
Despite the technology transfer, local production in Saudi Arabia can only reach 50%, with core technology components still needing to be imported from China.
Additionally, when Saudi Arabia purchases the Wing Loong-10B, the air-to-ground missiles and anti-ship missiles it carries also need to be purchased from China.
In the long run, although allowing Saudi Arabia to produce domestically, China can gain long-term benefits, strengthen Saudi Arabia's defense capabilities, and enhance bilateral relations.
Furthermore, China's drones have a powerful feature: when approaching the Chinese border, they automatically trigger a return command, making it impossible to attack targets within Chinese territory even if the positioning device is removed.
This is its robust friend-or-foe identification system.
Therefore, even if Saudi Arabia mass-produces it and sells it to other countries, it will not pose a threat to China.
Overall, China's drone technology not only maintains its strength but also leaves room for the future.
As for wealthy Saudi Arabia, selling drones won't make them flinch; their production may primarily serve their own needs, and as long as it doesn't pose a threat, China doesn't mind.
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