Rare glimpse into the Chinese "Area 51": The secret weapon revealed in the air - and it's enormous

New footage reveals a secret Chinese giant drone, designated WZ-X, on its first flight over Malan Base. Its wingspan is estimated at about 52 meters, similar to the B-2 stealth bomber. The aircraft, first identified in May 2025 by satellite imagery, is likely intended for high-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (HALE ISR) missions with an estimated range of 19,000 km. China has not officially confirmed its existence.

New footage published on social media reveals a secret Chinese giant drone, designated WZ-X, on its first flight over Malan Base in northwestern China. The aircraft's wingspan is estimated at about 52 meters, similar to the American B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, but it is unmanned. Its "flying wing" shape is designed to make radar detection difficult. The aircraft was first identified in commercial satellite imagery in May 2025, but this is the first footage of it in the air. Researcher Andreas Rupprecht, who specializes in Chinese military aviation, identified the aircraft in the images. The prevailing assessment is that it is a drone for high-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (HALE ISR) missions, with an estimated range of 19,000 km. At a flight altitude of up to 66,000 feet, it can operate above the cruising altitude of most commercial aircraft. China has not officially confirmed its existence, name, or capabilities. Malan Base, known as the "Chinese Area 51," has been significantly expanded since 2022 and serves as a test center for advanced unmanned aerial vehicles.