China Develops ‘Loyal Wingman’ Drone to Rival US Air Dominance

The rapid evolution of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is reshaping modern warfare, and China has positioned itself as a key player in this high-stakes technological race. At the recent 2024 Zhuhai air show, China reportedly unveiled its latest innovation, the Feihong FH-97A, a “loyal wingman” drone designed to operate alongside its advanced fighter jets.

With its potential to rival America’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiative, this development signals an intensifying rivalry in unmanned warfare technology.

Let’s take a closer look.

What is the Feihong FH-97A?

The FH-97A, developed by Aerospace Times Feihong Technology Corp, is reportedly a next-generation drone that embodies four major trends in modern weaponry: unmanned, miniaturized, intelligent, and stealthy.

This prototype drone is specifically engineered to act as a “loyal wingman,” accompanying manned fighter jets like China’s stealthy J-20 in combat.

Its versatility allows it to lead swarms of smaller drones while also operating independently in high-intensity missions.

Key features of the FH-97A include:

• Enhanced Weapons Bay: Capable of deploying both air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.
• Operational Flexibility: The drone can be launched from aircraft carriers using catapult systems, expanding its role in maritime and amphibious operations.
• Advanced Combat Capabilities: It supports confrontational, long-lasting missions, enhancing China’s ability to sustain high-pressure combat scenarios.

This combination of advanced weaponry and operational versatility makes the FH-97A a formidable asset in modern warfare.

Technical Specifications

First introduced to the public in 2022, the latest FH-97A version now incorporates cutting-edge technologies that set it apart from previous generations of unmanned systems:

• Loyal Wingman Functionality: The drone can be controlled by a fighter pilot, acting as an extension of the manned aircraft to enhance firepower and mission efficiency.
• Swarm Control: The FH-97A can command swarms of smaller drones, creating a networked force capable of overwhelming adversaries.
• Stealth and Endurance: Its design minimizes radar visibility while ensuring long-endurance missions, making it ideal for sustained operations in contested airspaces.

Development History and Strategic Significance

China’s development of loyal wingman drones is part of a broader effort to close the technological gap with the United States.

According to previous reports, the FH-97A builds on earlier Chinese drone programs, including systems designed for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and targeted strikes.

It represents a natural progression toward integrating UAS with manned aircraft for collaborative operations.

This shift mirrors similar advancements in the US, where the Loyal Wingman Concept under the CCA program is gaining momentum.

However, while the US has focused on sensor-equipped drones for reconnaissance, the FH-97A emphasizes weaponized capabilities, potentially giving it an edge in certain scenarios.

The FH-97A’s unveiling comes as global military strategies increasingly prioritize unmanned technologies.

Lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where drones have played pivotal roles, have underscored the importance of UAS in modern warfare.

Rivaling the US Loyal Wingman Concept

The FH-97A’s capabilities position it as a potential rival to America’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.

The US initiative, involving companies like Anduril and General Atomics, aims to deploy 150 loyal wingman drones by the decade’s end. These drones are designed to support manned sixth-generation fighters, relying heavily on artificial intelligence for autonomous operations.

While the US focuses on sensor-heavy designs, China’s emphasis on weaponized drones reflects its strategy to integrate both offensive and defensive capabilities into a single platform.

According to analysts, this dual approach could give China an advantage in high-intensity combat scenarios, particularly in contested regions like the South China Sea and around Taiwan.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its promising features, the FH-97A faces hurdles before it can be deployed at scale. Cost-effective production and operational integration remain significant challenges.

Peter Layton, an expert from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), notes that while China has demonstrated prototypes, transitioning to full-scale deployment is a different challenge altogether.

Additionally, the US remains a formidable competitor, with extensive resources and technological expertise driving its drone programs.

Collaborative efforts with allies like Australia, which is developing the Ghost Bat drone with Boeing, further bolster America’s position in this race.

Final Thoughts

The FH-97A underscores the centrality of drone technology in the future of warfare. As tensions over Taiwan and other geopolitical hotspots escalate, the ability to integrate unmanned systems with manned platforms will be a critical factor in maintaining air superiority.

China’s advancements with the FH-97A highlight its determination to compete with the US in this domain. Whether the FH-97A can surpass its American counterparts remains uncertain, but its development marks a significant milestone in China’s quest for technological parity.

In this high-stakes competition, the future of warfare is not just about who has the most advanced fighter jets but also who can deploy and integrate drones most effectively. The FH-97A is a clear indication that China is prepared to challenge US dominance in this transformative era of aerial combat.