China has begun testing what is believed to be the world’s largest stealth drone, featuring a massive 52-meter wingspan, at a secretive test base in Xinjiang. Recent satellite imagery and defense analysis confirm that this new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) represents a significant leap in the country’s high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) drone technology.
The drone was first detected in satellite photos taken in May 2025, which show it stationed at the Malan test facility in Xinjiang, alongside huge hangars specifically designed for large aircraft. With its sleek, flying-wing design and absence of a cockpit, the drone is confirmed to be fully unmanned. The aircraft’s length is estimated at 46 meters, and its overall wingspan rivals that of the American B-2 Spirit stealth bomber—making it the largest drone of its kind to date.
Military analysts believe this advanced UAV is built for high-altitude surveillance, reconnaissance, and potentially long-range strike missions. Its flying-wing structure and radar-absorbing features are designed to make it difficult to detect, giving China a significant advantage in intelligence gathering and networked military operations. The new drone’s endurance and payload capacity are expected to exceed existing Chinese drones, enabling extended operations over critical regions such as the South China Sea and the Pacific.
The timing of these tests coincides with growing strategic competition between China and the United States. Experts say the drone’s appearance signals China’s ambition to match or surpass U.S. capabilities in unmanned and stealth aviation technology. Some Western defense observers warn that large-scale deployment of such drones could challenge American dominance in the region and complicate surveillance and targeting for opposing forces.
China has not released official statements or technical details about the new drone. However, the emergence of this aircraft is seen as part of the country’s broader push towards “intelligentized warfare” and advanced military innovation.
The world will be watching closely as China continues to develop and test this new generation of stealth UAVs, which could reshape the global balance of air power in the years ahead.
References:
- Debuglies News
- Indian Defence News
- The Defense News