AR-2000

The AR-2000 is a Chinese unmanned autonomous helicopter built for the People's Liberation Army. It handles reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strikes, and can be used by the PLA Ground Force, Navy, and Air Force.

This helicopter is China’s second unmanned rotary-wing aircraft, following the smaller AR-500W (exported as the U8EW), which first appeared at the 2018 Singapore Airshow and flew in May 2020. The AR-2000 is a larger, upgraded version of the AR-500, with improved capabilities and a design optimized for shipboard operations. It first flew in early 2023 and was publicly shown at the Dubai Airshow that same year. The state-owned exporter CATIC confirmed the PLA had already purchased the aircraft.

The military version of the AR-2000 appeared in the 2025 China Victory Day Parade. It entered service with the PLA Navy in 2025 and was deployed aboard the Type 075 amphibious assault ship. Its likely missions include reconnaissance, surveillance, strike, and anti-submarine warfare in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.

Slightly smaller than the Harbin Z-20, the AR-2000 weighs 4,400 pounds. It is powered by a turboshaft engine and has four folding rotor blades.

A chin-mounted turret carries electro-optical and infrared sensors, multiple radar systems are embedded in the fuselage, and hardpoints allow for weapon pylons. Two satellite communication antennas are visible—one on the nose and one on the tailboom—along with antennas for tactical data links and other communications gear. The aircraft can carry PL-9 short-range air-to-air missiles, anti-tank missiles, and anti-ship weapons.