Current Affairs - International - Discussion

China is to sell 48 high-end armed drones to Pakistan. This will be the largest deal of its kind. The cost of the major defence deal hasn't been revealed yet. Wing Loong II is a high-end reconnaissance, strike and multi-role endurance unmanned aerial system, capable of being fitted with air-to-surface weapons. This type of drone is roughly equivalent to the American MQ-9 Reaper drone. The drones will also be jointly manufactured by China and Pakistan. Last year, China reportedly sold to countries like the UAE and Egypt the Wing Loong II at an estimated $1 million per unit. Till now China is the largest weapon supplier to its all-weather ally Pakistan Army. Both countries also jointly manufacture JF-Thunder a single engine multi-role combat aircraft.