China Reveals New 'Xuanlong' Combat Drone in Air Force Video

China has offered the first public glimpse of a new stealth-like combat drone, designated Xuanlong, shown flying in formation with advanced manned fighter jets.

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was featured in a promotional short film released by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) on November 11, 2025. The video, titled "Meng Yuan," was published to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the air force's founding.

Footage from the film shows the sleek, gray Xuanlong drone operating alongside a Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter and a Shenyang J-16D electronic warfare aircraft. The coordinated flight formation suggests the drone is being developed for collaborative combat operations, functioning as a "loyal wingman" to the manned aircraft.

This "loyal wingman" concept, being pursued by several global air powers, involves using autonomous or semi-autonomous drones to augment the capabilities of manned fighters. These roles can include reconnaissance, carrying additional weapons, or deploying electronic countermeasures, thereby increasing mission effectiveness and protecting pilots from harm.

While the video did not disclose specific details about the Xuanlong's capabilities or development status, its appearance alongside the PLAAF’s top-tier aircraft underscores China's focus on integrating unmanned systems into its future air combat architecture.