China Unveils Largest Unmanned Stealth Drone Amid Rising Military Tensions

BEIJING, China — China has showcased a large, low-observable flying-wing drone as tensions rise in the Asia-Pacific region. The aircraft was spotted in a recent image taken on May 14, 2025, at a new airfield in Xinjiang province, known for its advanced air combat programs.

The drone, which has a wingspan of approximately 52 meters (170 feet), is believed to be a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) stealth drone, the largest of its kind yet seen. This unveiling comes as China accelerates its next-generation air combat capabilities in response to increasing military competition.

This facility is surrounded by multiple hangars, suggesting it may serve as a testing ground for a new generation of unmanned aircraft. The installations began construction two years ago and are directly linked to advanced military developments.

The significant size of the hangars, including estimated dimensions of 70, 50, 20, and 15 meters, indicates a focus on aircraft of various specifications, including drones and potential future bombers. The U.S. Air Force is noted to be developing similar systems under its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

Notably, the newly observed drone closely resembles designs attributed to the U.S. B-21 and B-2 stealth bombers but is designed to fulfill roles within China’s air combat ecosystem.

Experts suggest the emergence of this aircraft may not be accidental; China likely wanted the drone visible to observers. This could serve as a strategic message amidst ongoing military developments and geopolitical tensions.

As China continues to reveal advanced technologies, this drone could potentially enhance targeting capabilities against U.S. Navy assets and installations in the Pacific region, signaling a new era in military technology.