GJ-2 Wing Loong

The GJ-2 Wing Loong is a MALE-class armed reconnaissance and strike unmanned aircraft developed by AVIC Chengdu in China. GJ-2 refers to the military designation used by the People’s Liberation Army, while Wing Loong II is more commonly used as the export and promotional name.

The platform combines wide-area reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and precision strike missions in a single airframe. Electro-optical and infrared imaging systems support day-and-night observation, while different mission configurations can include radar and laser-targeting equipment. Its weapon stations allow the aircraft to conduct armed reconnaissance missions with guided air-to-ground munitions.

The Wing Loong family represents China’s effort to develop exportable long-endurance UAV systems comparable in role to the Predator and Reaper families. The larger GJ-2 airframe and increased payload capacity allow more sensors and weapons to be carried than on earlier Wing Loong variants.

According to the Plarok database, the GJ-2 has a maximum and cruise speed of 150 knots, a range of approximately 4,000 kilometres, an endurance of 20 hours and a service ceiling of 25,000 feet. Its 300-kilogram payload capacity allows the platform to shift between persistent ISR and precision-strike missions.