A Chinese GJ-2 reconnaissance-attack unmanned aerial vehicle was sighted for the first time flying near Japan, marking yet another sign of Beijing’s increasing military activity in the Indo-Pacific region. 

Japan’s Joint Staff reported that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was detected on Feb 26 morning and afternoon over waters near Japan’s southernmost islands, including Okinawa. 

The drone traveled southeast from the East China Sea before passing between Okinawa’s main island and Miyako Island, roughly 175 miles southwest of Okinawa’s capital, Naha. 

The aircraft then proceeded into the Pacific Ocean, later turning northeast along the Ryukyu island chain before reaching Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture. It eventually reversed course and returned to the East China Sea via the same route.

Coinciding with this flight path was another Chinese drone, the BZK-005 reconnaissance UAV, which followed a nearly identical trajectory on February 26. The Joint Staff did not confirm whether the two drones were operating in coordination. 

In response to these drone activities, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force scrambled fighter jets to monitor the situation. While the drones did not breach Japanese territorial airspace, Japan’s defense ministry stressed that it remains vigilant amid China’s increasing military presence in the region.

A spokesperson for Japan’s Joint Staff refrained from disclosing specific details regarding the number or type of aircraft deployed in response to the drone activity. However, the official underscored Japan’s commitment to maintaining strict surveillance of its airspace. 

The spokesperson said, “We will continue to monitor developments in the airspace surrounding Japan with strong interest and will take all possible measures to conduct surveillance.”

The drone in question, GJ-2, previously made headlines in October 2023 when it entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) for the first time.

The latest drone activity also coincides with “Iron Fist,” an annual US-Japan military exercise that runs through March 7 and includes training at various locations, including Okinawa.

The timing of China’s drone flights has raised concerns about potential surveillance efforts or strategic messaging amid the ongoing joint drills.

With Beijing showing no signs of slowing its assertive military maneuvers, Japan and its allies are likely to maintain heightened readiness in the face of evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Chengdu GJ-2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

The Chengdu GJ-2, also known as the Wing Loong II, is a multi-role unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. It is an improved version of the earlier Wing Loong I.

The drone is designed for both reconnaissance and ground attack missions and is classified as a Medium-Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV. Wing Loong II was first introduced at the China Aviation Expo in Beijing in September 2015. 

It measures 11 meters in length and has a wingspan of 20.5 meters. It can carry bombs and air-to-surface missiles, with a total payload exceeding 400 kilograms.

The drone can stay airborne for around 20 hours and reach a maximum speed of 370 km/h. It is equipped with advanced surveillance technology, including day and infrared cameras, as well as sensors for targeting. The UAV is remotely controlled from a mobile ground station.

It supports a variety of munitions, including the Lan Jian 7 (Blue Arrow 7) laser-guided air-to-surface missile, TG100 laser/INS/GPS-guided bombs, and the AR-1/HJ-10 anti-tank missile, often compared to the U.S.-made Hellfire missile.

Primarily designed for export, the Wing Loong II is marketed as a more affordable alternative to the MQ-1 Predator.

With a per-unit cost estimated at US$1-2 million, significantly lower than the US$30 million MQ-9 Reaper, it has attracted buyers from multiple countries, including Serbia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Libya, Nigeria, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

The drone has demonstrated its effectiveness in various operations. In 2020, a BBC investigation revealed that Wing Loong II drones, operated from Libya’s Al-Khadim air base under UAE control, were used to launch Chinese Blue Arrow 7 missiles at a military academy in Tripoli.

Beyond combat roles, the UAV has been used for emergency response. During the 2021 Henan floods, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management deployed a Wing Loong II (Wing Loong 2H variant) for disaster relief, conducting nearly six hours of reconnaissance and communication relay operations in affected areas.

Additionally, the Wing Loong II can act as a target designator for Chinese short-range ballistic missiles. It is capable of striking high-value targets such as command centers and headquarters.

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