FH-97A Loyal Wingman

The FH-97A is a next-generation loyal wingman unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed to collaborate with manned fighter aircraft such as the J-20. It is engineered to perform air superiority, electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD). By acting as an escort, it extends the sensor range and weapons payload of manned platforms while increasing pilot survivability.

The FH-97A was officially unveiled by the Aerospace Times Feihong Technology Corporation (a subsidiary of CASC) at the Zhuhai Airshow in November 2022. This variant featured a major redesign from the original FH-97 concept shown in 2021, moving from a dorsal intake to a nose-mounted electro-optical targeting system and lateral air intakes. The development of the FH-97A highlights the People's Liberation Army's commitment to manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) concepts. Currently in active development, the system represents China's strategic response to Western collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) initiatives.