Italian authorities seize Chinese military drones bound for Libya
Italian authorities managed to intercept Chinese military drones, known as Wing Loong, which were being transported to Libya disguised as parts for wind turbines. We explain the capabilities of these Chinese unmanned aerial vehicles and provide insights into the entire situation.
As reported by the newspaper "The Libya Observer," the drones were transported in parts, concealed in several containers. Customs officers were nearly deceived as the parts of the disassembled drones were mixed with elements for wind turbines.
Unsuccessful smuggling of Chinese military drones
The Italians intercepted the shipment, which departed from the southern Chinese port of Yantian, in the port of Gioia Tauro in Calabria. This was achieved thanks to information from American intelligence. The adjudged reason for confiscating the Chinese equipment was the international embargo imposed on weapons delivered to Libya.
It appears that the Chinese drones were intended to reach the port of Benghazi and support the forces of General Khalifa Haftar, the leader of the Libyan opposition. Reports have suggested that the United States is increasingly concerned about Haftar's growing ties with Russia and China. A few weeks ago, with help from the Americans, a ship carrying Russian weapons heading to the same port in Libya was also seized in Italy.
Wing Loong drones: what kind of equipment is it?
The Defence Express portal, which specialises in military topics, described the Wing Loong drones as "equivalents of the Bayraktar TB2." They are designed for use as observation and reconnaissance platforms but can be equipped with air-to-ground weapons, thus also serving a strike role.
Chinese unmanned aerial vehicles are characterised by a length of just over 9 metres and a wingspan of about 14 metres. Their takeoff weight reaches 1,100 kilograms, and the combat load can be up to 50 kilograms. They can travel at a maximum speed of 280 km/h, at an altitude of up to 5,000 metres. The range and flight duration declared by the manufacturer are 40 kilometres and 20 hours, respectively.
NATO military specialists may now thoroughly examine Chinese drones regarding their precise equipment and performance. Hostile countries have long conducted such practices. A few days ago, a set of sonar buoys dropped by the American patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon fell into Chinese hands, considered a significant blunder by the United States. As a result, China is likely to learn the technologies used in this American equipment.
