The Japanese Defense Ministry scrambled fighter jets to intercept a Chinese unmanned aerial vehicle in the Sea of Japan, marking the first known operation in the area by China’s long-range spy drone. The WZ-7 reconnaissance UAV was detected on March 26, flying over the Sea of Japan and potentially over the territories of North Korea or Russia, both of which border the sea. Japanese fighters were dispatched to monitor the UAV, which did not violate Japanese airspace. The Defense Ministry stated it would remain vigilant and watch for further military movements in the region.
The WZ-7 Soaring Dragon, produced by Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corp., was first unveiled in 2021 at the Zhuhai air show in China. The drone’s unique joined-wing design makes it easily identifiable in photographs. Analysts suggest that the WZ-7 serves as China’s counterpart to the U.S. Air Force’s RQ-4 Global Hawk, a reconnaissance drone with high-altitude and long-endurance capabilities. The Chinese drone’s primary mission is likely aerial reconnaissance, but it may also provide targeting data for missiles. Research indicates that both the Chinese air force and navy operate a limited number of WZ-7 drones, which have been spotted at various locations, including China’s border with India and Taiwan’s air defense zone.
In January 2023, Japanese radars detected a WZ-7 drone flying from the East China Sea into the Western Pacific via the Miyako Strait, marking the drone’s first publicly reported mission beyond the so-called first island chain. Separately, the Joint Staff in Tokyo tracked Russia’s Vishnya-class intelligence collection ship, the Karelia, as it sailed along the west coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu. Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force deployed a missile boat and a patrol aircraft to monitor the Russian navy vessel. The Karelia is part of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, headquartered in the Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan.
China’s Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment regarding the WZ-7 reconnaissance drone’s operation in the Sea of Japan. Likewise, Russia’s Defense Ministry did not provide a statement on the presence of the Karelia intelligence collection ship off the coast of Japan. Both the Chinese and Russian operations appeared to be separate incidents, with no indication of a link between the two. Newsweek is dedicated to challenging conventional wisdom and exploring connections in order to find common ground among diverse perspectives. The publication aims to provide in-depth analysis and reporting on a wide range of topics to promote understanding and foster dialogue on complex issues.
