China Deploys Wing Loong Drone for First Typhoon Warning Reconnaissance

China has used its domestically developed Wing Loong unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for typhoon reconnaissance for the first time, according to its developer, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

The fixed-wing drone carried out pre-typhoon surveillance and post-typhoon damage assessment as Typhoon Wipha impacted southern China this week. The aircraft reportedly flew through extreme conditions—strong winds, heavy rain, and low visibility—to gather early warning data and identify disaster zones across western Guangdong.

AVIC said the UAV's synthetic aperture radar allowed it to capture real-time images despite thick clouds and rain, transmitting the data directly to the provincial emergency command center. The information helped authorities assess risks, plan flood control measures, and coordinate rescue operations.

Flying along the typhoon's path, the drone detected rising river levels, submerged roads, and flooded agricultural areas. Its airborne base station also reestablished public communication in affected zones by sending over 6,000 text messages, creating what AVIC described as an “aerial lifeline” for isolated communities.

Wing Loong has previously been used in disaster relief operations during earthquakes and severe rainstorms, but this marks its first use for typhoon early warning and assessment.