Cai Hong-4 (CH-4) is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system designed and built by China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics of the China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation (CASC) consortium. The CH-4 is 9 m in total length and 18 m in wingspan, with 80% of its airframe made of composite materials. The UAV can carry 4 to 6 AR-1 semi-active laser-guided missiles; alternatively, FT-9 guided bombs (50 kg, GPS/INS guidance) or conventional unguided bombs. → sinodefence.com

Saudi Arabia is acquiring some 300 UAVs from China, and in an effort to build its own military engineering capacity in line with its Saudi Vision 2030 economic diversification initiative, an agreement has been signed for an assembly line for the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation CH-4 UAV to be established in-country. The Saudi assembly line for the CH series may also supply other countries in the region, such as Qatar. The Saudis also already operate Wing Loong I UAVs, and are reported to have used both these and CH-4s over Yemen against the Houthi rebels there. (ainonline.com, Nov. 17, 2019)