Chinese drone for anti-submarine warfare among systems at Saudi defence show

China has showcased a range of uncrewed platforms – including a drone for anti-submarine warfare – at the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia, as demand grows in the region for autonomous systems.

More than 770 exhibitors from 76 countries are taking part in the defence show in Riyadh, which opened on Sunday and runs until Thursday.

China has one of the biggest pavilions at the show, and a full-scale model of the Wing Loong-X unmanned aerial vehicle is among the Chinese drones drawing attention.

The Wing Loong‑X – described as the world’s first uncrewed aircraft designed for anti‑submarine warfare – made its first overseas appearance at the Dubai Airshow in November.

Military analyst Fu Qianshao told state broadcaster CCTV it was “developed and modified for the export market”, with long endurance of around 40 hours and a maximum range of about 10,000km (6,200 miles).

That gives it a considerable advantage over manned anti-submarine warfare aircraft such as the US Navy Boeing P-8, which can remain airborne for only 10 hours, according to media reports.