China tests new attack drone LOONG M9 strike drone

Chinese drone manufacturer LOONG UAV has begun testing its new LOONG M9 strike unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), releasing footage of successful live-fire trials through the Armourdesia Military Hardware YouTube channel.

According to the company, the LOONG M9 is a high-speed delta-wing aircraft powered by petroleum fuel and launched via catapult. Designed for demanding combat environments, it features a customizable payload bay capable of carrying up to 50 kilograms. Its carbon-fiber airframe provides a lightweight yet durable structure that is resistant to rain and harsh weather conditions, Caliber.Az reports. 

The drone is equipped with a dual-mode homing system, enabling precision strikes even in high-threat areas. It can also engage targets using pre-programmed coordinates, expanding its operational flexibility.

The LOONG M9 has a 2.5-meter wingspan, measures 3.5 meters in length, and weighs 62.5 kilograms without fuel. Its maximum takeoff weight is 200 kilograms, and it can remain in the air for up to nine hours.

With these specifications, the LOONG M9 is positioned as a multifunctional strike UAV intended for use in complex and contested battlefield conditions.

By Sabina Mammadli