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China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

Coverage focus: CH-4 / Rainbow family. A family of Chinese reconnaissance and armed aircraft associated with CASC. The CH designation spans different airframes; the CH-4 offers an identifiable example with publicly documented overseas military use.

Published 20 Sept 2026Updated 20 Sept 2026Sources reviewed 20 Sept 2026

By Defence Drones editorial team

Coverage

This profile currently covers CH-4 / Rainbow family.

Programme context

Manufacturer attribution is directly documented by CASC. Indonesia's air force reported CH-4 training in November 2024, establishing operator use. This evidence should not be extended to every CH variant or to newer announced designs.

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Follow the evidence

Source types identify who makes the claim. Programme milestones and supplier statements should be read in context.

  1. CASC CH-family exhibition record (opens in a new tab)Manufacturer / programme source
  2. Indonesian Air Force CH-4 training, 21 November 2024 (opens in a new tab)Government / operator
  3. China MOD CH-4 test report, February 2018 (opens in a new tab)Government / operator

Systems & connected topics

Air · Multirole aircraftChina

CH-3 / Caihong-3

Medium-size Rainbow-family aircraft with a dated official specification and continuing manufacturer-described variant development.

Supplier-reported statusRead
Air · Multirole aircraftChina

Concept / announced

CH-6 / Caihong-6

Named Rainbow-family programme confirmed in CASC's exhibition announcements; production acceptance and definitive current specifications remain unverified.

Concept / announcedRead
Air · Drone / systemChina

CH-5 / Caihong-5

A large Chinese MALE aircraft in the Rainbow family, designed for extended reconnaissance and an armed multirole configuration.

Supplier-reported statusRead
Air · Drone / systemChina

CH-7 / Caihong-7

A Chinese high-altitude flying-wing development whose first flight was announced in December 2025, superseding older exhibition-only descriptions.

Development / trialsRead
Air · Drone / systemChina

CH-4 / Rainbow family

A family of Chinese reconnaissance and armed aircraft associated with CASC. The CH designation spans different airframes; the CH-4 offers an identifiable example with publicly documented overseas military use.

Use documentedRead