China’s Norinco Hints at Overseas Drone Factory for Middle East
China’s state-owned North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco) has signaled plans to build military drones abroad, displaying a model of an overseas assembly line at a major weapons fair in Paris. The move targets Middle Eastern buyers and marks a push to manufacture advanced unmanned systems outside China.
At the Eurosatory exhibition this week, Norinco showed a miniature of a drone production line featuring several of its unmanned aircraft, including the BZK-005E. The display suggests the company is planning to set up a factory in the Middle East to supply regional customers, rather than exporting finished drones from China. [173279]
The development comes as other nations also ramp up drone manufacturing and procurement. Bangladesh and Turkey are discussing joint production of military drones inside Bangladesh, focusing on local manufacturing rather than imports. [173326] India has placed its largest-ever military drone order, worth more than $2 billion, with the drones to be built by domestic manufacturers to boost indigenous combat capabilities. [171338] Meanwhile, Japanese firm Terra Drone has agreed to acquire two Ukrainian drone manufacturers to gain access to combat-tested technology for industrial and security applications. [173249]
Norinco’s hinted factory would allow the Chinese defense giant to produce drones closer to its customers, reducing shipping costs and potentially avoiding export restrictions. The BZK-005E is a medium-altitude, long-endurance reconnaissance drone, and setting up production in the Middle East would deepen China’s defense ties with countries in the region.