Satellites have captured images of the massive Chinese drone, the WZ-9 Divine Eagle.

The appearance of the WZ-9 Divine Eagle at the strategically important airbase on Hainan Island in the northern part of the South China Sea, at least since December 4, 2024, indicates that the craft, which has been in development since 2015, is operational.

The heavy high-altitude drone WZ-9 Divine Eagle is designed for detecting aircraft at long ranges that employ stealth technologies.

The innovative shape of the drone sets it apart from other Chinese counterparts. The twin-fuselage design of the WZ-9 Divine Eagle, connected by a small wing at the front, provides both aerodynamic efficiency and structural integrity.

According to open data, the length of the WZ-9 drone is 15 meters, with a wingspan of 45 meters and a flight duration of over 20 hours. The WZ-9 Divine Eagle is capable of ascending to altitudes of up to 18 kilometers.