The CH-4 is built by the Chinese Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). With a 350kg payload, it is roughly similar in size to the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator. It has a retractable electro-optical sensor turret, and a datalink back to the ground control station. The CH-4 also boasts a modern, two person control station to fly the drone remotely, with provisions for both line of sight and satellite communications. Baghdad’s open display of the Chinese-made armed drone technology is notable in a number of ways. While the video is clearly for news propaganda value, as the drones become operational they will offer Iraqi forces a useful new capability that they have lacked on their own. Just like the unmanned aircraft systems in US skies, the CH-4 is likely to be used for urban surveillance and strike, as well as long-range, continuous combat overwatch in the vast expanses of western Iraq. More broadly, the provision shows both the continued proliferation of Chinese systems (including to Algeria, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE), as well as Iraq’s steady use of alternative suppliers of arms, with ramifications for long term alliances. The sale of advanced systems like the Predator UAS has been limited to close US allies, with the provision of armed versions only recently being allowed under limitations that exclude Iraq. Iraq has instead struck deals with Russia for over $4 billion worth of arms like attack helicopters and planes, and now Chinese drones. The growing use of Chinese drones in war zones also undercuts US makers’ claims that theirs are the only “battle-tested” drones on the market. You may also be interested in: A Closer Look at China’s Divine Eagle Drone Pterodactyl Drones in Chinese Air Force Service Chinese Drones Soon Flying Over Saudi Arabia China Shows Off Growing Drone Fleet Biggest “Anti-terrorist” Exercise in the World stars Chinese Drones, Russian Troops and a Ukraine inspired war game Did a Chinese-made Drone Just Crash in Nigeria? North Korea’s New Drones are China (which opens up a new mystery)
