China Tests LOONG M9 Strike and Reconnaissance UAV — Comparable to Gerans or Shaheds

The Chinese company LOONG UAV has started testing the LOONG M9 strike kamikaze drone, which in shape and concept closely resembles the Russian Geran and the Iranian Shahed.

The manufacturer says the platform can be used not only for strikes but also for reconnaissance missions, Armourdesia Military Hardware reported.

The drone is designed to carry a payload of up to 50 kg, allowing for explosive warheads or optical reconnaissance modules.

The LOONG M9 has a take-off weight of 200 kg, placing it in the long-range loitering munition class.

The maximum speed is reported at 223 km/h, with a cruising speed of around 190 km/h, similar to the Shahed.

Its range is up to 1,620 km, with a flight duration of 8-9 hours, making it potentially suitable for long-range strikes.

The system includes a protected data transmission channel and can operate without GPS, increasing its resistance to electronic warfare.

In reconnaissance configuration, it carries a wide-angle infrared camera and an AI-assisted system for night operations and low-visibility conditions.

The manufacturer also reported that the drone can operate at altitudes up to 4,500 meters, highlighting its flexibility for various operational scenarios.

Recently, the R-60 air-to-air missile was first observed on Shahed drones, indicating that Russia is equipping some drones with airborne missile systems.