Images released today show a J-6 fighter-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) arriving at the Changchun Airshow, scheduled for 19-23/9. The pilot's seat has been removed from the cockpit, likely to accommodate new control systems.

Experts suggest this J-6 UAV variant could act as a combat support drone for manned fighters. Its presence at the airshow reinforces the belief that the Chinese military plans to convert older fighters like the J-6, J-7, and J-8 into combat support aircraft.

The J-6 UAV prototype on display in a photo released 18/9. Photo: X/Rupprecht Deino

China built the J-6 and J-7 under license from the Soviet Union, based on the MiG-19 and MiG-21 respectively. China later upgraded them with domestically produced components. The J-8 is a twin-engine, heavy fighter developed using experience gained from the J-6 and J-7 projects.

In 2018, Chinese officials hinted at plans to convert older aircraft, including the J-6, J-7, J-8 fighters, and the Q-5 attack aircraft, into combat support UAVs.

A November 2022 study by the US-based Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies (MIAS) noted that J-6 and J-7 fighters are stationed at several bases along the Taiwan Strait. If converted to UAVs, they could play a leading role in operations against Taiwan.

These converted UAVs could carry air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, runway-cratering bombs, and rockets. Large swarms of these UAVs could deplete Taiwan's air defenses in a conflict.

Close-up of the J-6 UAV prototype cockpit in a photo released 18/9. Photo: X/Rupprecht Deino

"As of December 2021, 235 older fighters were identified at conversion facilities and on the runway at Lushan airbase. The estimated number of J-6W combat support UAVs as of April 2022 was 580. Approximately 20 combat support UAVs were in service with the Chinese air force by November 2022", MIAS stated.

The Soviet Union developed the MiG-19 starting in 1950 and produced nearly 2,200 between 1954 and 1968. China produced the J-6 from 1958 to 1986, completing over 4,500.

The J-6 has a top speed of 1,500 km/h, a range of 1,400 km (extendable to 2,200 km with external fuel tanks), and a combat radius of 640 km. Each is equipped with three 30 mm NR-30 cannons and 4 hardpoints for air-to-air missiles, bombs, and rocket pods.

Nguyen Tien (According to Aviationist, AP, AFP)