As for drones, an interesting point about the "CH-7" drone at this airshow is that it has replaced its weapon bay with a large electro-optical sensor. Since what was showcased this time is a prototype rather than a model, the performance and intended use of the drone are relatively clear—it is primarily designed for reconnaissance.
In the video shown during the exhibition, the main mission design of the drone is revealed as serving as an "electro-optical airborne reconnaissance platform." Leveraging stealth capabilities comparable to the RQ-180 (currently the U.S. military's most stealth-capable aircraft), it is designed to search for and track enemy stealth aircraft, providing target guidance for our fighter jets and long-range air-to-air missiles. However, according to friends present at the event, the PLA's greatest interest in this drone is not in the functions showcased in the video, but rather in its "stealth-enabled observation" capability, enabling prolonged tracking of time-sensitive targets on land and at sea.
In the past, the general imagination was to use non-stealth drones like the RQ-9 "Reaper" or "Global Hawk" for long-range electronic or optical reconnaissance outside enemy defensive zones, while stealth drones like the X-47 were used for attacks. However, with the advent of stealth attack drones like the "GJ-11," which have resolved the attack problem, it now seems that close-range "peeking" is the more attractive option.
If these two missions can't be integrated into a single model for now, then developing another specialized model becomes the solution. In today's era of integrated information and firepower systems, the value of an information platform is as critical as that of a firepower platform. A highly advanced and expensive unmanned reconnaissance platform is well worth the investment—especially considering that what might seem "expensive" to us could very well make the Americans think, "This is too cheap! Can I get ten thousand of these?"