Recent leaked photos from Victory Day parade rehearsals near Tiananmen Square suggest that the FH-97 drone might have entered active service. Developed by a subsidiary of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (AVIC), it could be officially unveiled during the large military parade on September 3. The event will mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II.
What is a loyal wingman drone?
A “loyal wingman” drone is an uncrewed aircraft designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets, enhancing mission capabilities and providing additional combat power. These collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) drones can perform high-risk tasks, gather intelligence, engage enemy positions, and provide electronic warfare support, reducing risks to human pilots and allowing more dynamic operational strategies.
A scale model of the FH-97 was first presented at the Zhuhai Air Show in 2021, drawing significant attention from international military analysts. Deng Shuai, the chief designer of the FH-97, shared with the state-run Global Times in 2022 that the drone “acts as both a sensor and an ammunition depot, as well as an intelligent assistant for pilots.”
He explained that the FH-97 earned the “loyal wingman” moniker because it operates alongside crewed aircraft “like an armed bodyguard,” offering protection, situational awareness, and enhanced combat capabilities.
Global implications and competitive edge
If officially unveiled as expected, the FH-97’s debut will put China ahead of other major militaries—including the US and Australia—in deploying a combat-ready loyal wingman drone. It signals rapid advances in Chinese aerospace technology, potentially reshaping air combat doctrine and regional power dynamics.
America’s XQ-58A Valkyrie, another loyal wingman combat drone, is anticipated to be combat ready by 2029.The Royal Australian Air Force is also close to deploying Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat loyal wingman drone, recognized by its side-mounted air intakes. Market reports indicate eight Block 1 prototypes have already been delivered and, notably, these have collectively logged over 100 flight hours as of August 2025, states the South China Morning Post.
FH-97: Features and strategic significance
- Design and capability: The FH-97, or Feihong-97, is a single-engine, ground-attack stealth drone suited for coordinated aerial warfare. Its advanced AI enables it to execute missions alongside crewed jets, marking a significant leap in human-machine team-up warfare.
- Active service confirmation: Photos from parade drills over the weekend revealed a covered aircraft mounted on a military truck, with enough distinctive design features to identify it as the FH-97. This suggests that China may have the world’s first such drone ready for active combat operations.
- Massive military display: The latest parade rehearsal involved around 40,000 personnel and showcased China’s expanding technological capabilities in unmanned systems and networked combat platforms.
Industry and future outlook
As the first country with a combat-ready “loyal wingman” drone, China’s defense sector demonstrates a strong commitment to AI integration and autonomous systems. The FH-97 not only expands tactical options for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) but also highlights China’s growing influence in the critical field of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), paving the way for further development of next-generation autonomous weapon systems.