By Dylan Malyasov

Copyright defence-blog

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) has reached a new operational milestone with its fleet of Chinese-built Wing Loong II drones, logging 5,000 flight hours as of May 2024, according to the Defense Arab. The Wing Loong II, manufactured by China’s Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) and exported through its subsidiary, the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), serves as a core asset in the RSAF’s intelligence, surveillance, and precision strike missions. The 5,000-hour milestone underscores the platform’s role in advancing the kingdom’s long-term strategy to expand unmanned capabilities and reduce dependence on traditional manned aircraft for tactical operations. According to the display, the aircraft has been operating intensively since its induction into service, showing high levels of reliability and adaptability to Saudi Arabia’s demanding operational environment, which includes high temperatures, dust, and extended flight endurance requirements. screengrab from video posted to social media The Wing Loong II is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) combat drone designed for both reconnaissance and strike roles. It can carry a range of guided munitions and surveillance payloads, making it a flexible platform for missions that demand precision and endurance. Its operational success in Saudi service suggests the system has met expectations for both performance and maintainability under local conditions. Saudi Arabia was among the first countries to adopt the Wing Loong II as part of a broader effort to develop its unmanned aerial capabilities. The acquisition aligns with the kingdom’s strategic goal of localizing defense technology and strengthening its indigenous defense industry under the Vision 2030 framework. The integration of Chinese-made systems like the Wing Loong II complements Riyadh’s parallel partnerships with Western defense suppliers, reflecting a diversified procurement approach aimed at maintaining operational readiness and flexibility. The 5,000-flight-hour record highlights the maturity of the RSAF’s unmanned operations infrastructure. With the system performing both intelligence-gathering and precision-strike tasks, the RSAF continues to enhance its capability for independent surveillance and rapid-response missions. In Saudi Arabia’s operational context, the Wing Loong II provides valuable coverage for border surveillance, counterterrorism, and regional security missions, where persistent aerial monitoring and immediate strike capabilities are essential.