Egypt Signs Deal to Acquire Chinese WJ-700 Combat Drones
Egypt has reportedly finalized a substantial defense contract valued at approximately $400 million to acquire 10 Chinese-manufactured WJ-700 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). According to information emerging from Chinese and Arabic defense reporting channels, the agreement was executed in June 2025, representing a significant expansion of Egypt’s drone warfare capabilities. Should the deal proceed to full implementation, Egypt would become the second confirmed operator of the WJ-700 platform following Algeria, underscoring the growing penetration of Chinese combat drone technology throughout the Middle East and North Africa region. This acquisition reflects Egypt’s strategic diversification of military suppliers and its commitment to modernizing airborne strike capabilities.
Advanced Design Beyond Traditional Wing Loong Series
The WJ-700, alternatively designated as “Al-Saqr” in Arabic-language defense sources, represents a substantial technological departure from earlier generations of Chinese Wing Loong unmanned aircraft systems. Industry analysts characterize the platform as a higher-tier system offering enhanced speed, operational altitude, and diverse strike options compared to predecessor designs. Unlike conventional propeller-driven drones, the WJ-700 employs jet propulsion technology, powered by a turbojet engine that enables attack speeds reaching 700 kilometers per hour. This velocity substantially exceeds the cruise speed capabilities of most medium-altitude, long-endurance drones currently operational worldwide, providing tactical advantages in time-sensitive strike scenarios and improved survivability against interceptor threats.
High-Altitude Operations and Defense Penetration
The WJ-700’s design prioritizes high-altitude performance, with a reported service ceiling extending to 15,000 meters, approximately 50,000 feet above sea level. Operating at these elevated altitudes positions the aircraft beyond the engagement envelope of numerous short-range and medium-range air defense systems, a critical survivability factor frequently emphasized in contested airspace scenarios. This altitude capability allows the WJ-700 to conduct surveillance and strike operations while maintaining standoff distance from ground-based threats, reducing vulnerability to surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery. The combination of high-speed performance and elevated operational ceiling creates a challenging target profile for adversary air defense networks.
Extended Endurance and Payload Capacity
Endurance and weapons-carrying capacity constitute central elements of the WJ-700’s operational design philosophy. According to released specifications, the drone maintains airborne operations for durations extending to 20 hours while carrying weapons payloads up to 800 kilograms. This impressive combination facilitates long-range precision strike missions as well as extended patrol or loitering operations over designated areas of interest. The sustained flight capability enables persistent surveillance, rapid response to emerging targets, and the ability to support ground forces throughout extended operational cycles without requiring frequent recovery and relaunch procedures.
Diverse Mission-Specific Weapons Integration
The reported weapons configurations for the WJ-700 include CM-102 missiles specifically engineered for suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) operations and C-705KD anti-ship missiles designed for maritime strike missions. These munition options indicate a mission portfolio extending well beyond traditional reconnaissance functions, empowering the drone to conduct offensive strikes against both land-based air defense installations and naval targets. The SEAD capability proves particularly valuable for neutralizing hostile radar systems and surface-to-air missile batteries, while anti-ship missile integration provides Egypt with enhanced coastal defense and naval interdiction capabilities. This weapons diversity positions the WJ-700 as a multi-role combat platform adaptable to various operational scenarios.
Also read this: China Begins Construction of First Nuclear Aircraft Carrier
Strategic Implications for Egyptian Air Power
The WJ-700 acquisition would introduce a jet-powered, high-altitude platform into Egypt’s unmanned aerial vehicle inventory, potentially complementing existing medium-altitude drone systems already operational within Egyptian military service. This capability enhancement aligns with regional trends toward unmanned combat aviation and reflects Egypt’s assessment of emerging threats requiring advanced strike platforms. The deal further solidifies Chinese-Egyptian defense cooperation while demonstrating China’s expanding influence in Middle Eastern military markets. As drone warfare continues evolving as a dominant feature of modern conflicts, Egypt’s investment in advanced UCAV technology positions the nation to maintain competitive military capabilities within an increasingly complex regional security environment.
Keep connected with us at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram & TikTok for latest defense happening around the globe.
Discover more from International Defence Analysis
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.