China's WZ-X drone spotted at Malan Air Base

A secret Chinese drone known as the WZ-X, or ‘Malan Monster,’ has drawn military expert attention following its appearance at the Malan Air Base. According to data from Chinese military aircraft expert Andreas Ruprecht, the drone features a length of approximately 15 meters and a wingspan that can reach up to 52 meters, making its dimensions comparable to the American B-2 bomber.

The WZ-X is believed to be a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) category drone, designed for extended flight durations at extreme altitudes. Estimates suggest it can reach an altitude of up to 20,100 meters with an operational range of approximately 19,300 kilometers. Its dual-engine design and large scale suggest it is primarily intended for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering missions.

Operating at such high altitudes may make the craft more difficult for ground-based air defense systems to detect or intercept. The Malan Air Base, often compared to the United States’ Area 51, is a known site for testing advanced aerospace technologies. Satellite imagery has indicated infrastructure expansions at the base, fueling speculation regarding the development of next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles.