Egypt reportedly inks $400M deal for 10 Chinese WJ-700 drones, featuring jet propulsion, 15,000-meter ceiling, 20-hour endurance, and 800-kg payload.
Egypt has reportedly signed a contract worth approximately $400 million to acquire 10 Chinese-made WJ-700 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
According to Chinese and Arabic defense reports, the agreement was signed in June 2025. If fully implemented, Egypt would become the second operator of the WJ-700 after Algeria, marking a continued expansion of Chinese combat drone exports in the Middle East and North Africa.
The WJ-700, also known as “Al-Saqr” in Arabic sources, represents a significant upgrade from earlier Chinese Wing Loong drones. It is a higher-end system offering greater speed, altitude, and strike capabilities compared to previous designs.
Powered by a turbojet engine, the WJ-700 can reach attack speeds of up to 700 kilometers per hour, significantly faster than most medium-altitude, long-endurance drones currently in service worldwide.
The drone is designed to operate at high altitudes, with a reported service ceiling of 15,000 meters (approximately 50,000 feet). This capability allows it to operate outside the engagement envelope of many short- and medium-range air defense systems, enhancing survivability in contested airspace.
Endurance and payload capacity are key features of the WJ-700. It can reportedly remain airborne for up to 20 hours while carrying a weapons load of up to 800 kilograms, enabling both long-range strike missions and extended patrol or loitering operations.
The drone’s reported armament includes CM-102 missiles for suppression of enemy air defenses and C-705KD anti-ship missiles, allowing it to conduct strikes against both land-based and maritime targets.
If deployed, the WJ-700 would add a jet-powered, high-altitude strike platform to Egypt’s inventory, complementing existing medium-altitude drones currently in service
About The Author
