China’s CH-7 stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also known as Caihong-7 or Rainbow-7, successfully completed its maiden flight in late December 2025 at an airfield in northwest China, validating its core aerodynamic design, autonomous taxiing, takeoff, landing, and flight control systems. Developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics under China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the high-altitude, high-speed, long-endurance flying-wing drone features a 27.3-meter wingspan, maximum takeoff weight of 8-10 metric tons, cruise speed of 612 km/h, top speed up to 926 km/h, service ceiling around 16 km, endurance of 15-16 hours, and operational radius of approximately 2,000 km. Equipped with advanced payloads like electro-optical, infrared sensors, and radar for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, target monitoring, and data support in contested environments, its stealth enhancements—including radar-absorbing materials, low-observable coatings, and treated components—enable penetration of defended airspace for maritime patrols and networked strike guidance. First unveiled at the 2018 Zhuhai Airshow and refined since, the CH-7 bolsters China’s UAV exports, with over 200 units sold globally accumulating extensive combat hours, prompting India to accelerate indigenous countermeasures like the DRDO Ghatak UCAV amid Indo-Pacific tensions along the Line of Actual Control.