The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released a video showing the downing of a Chinese-made Wing Loong II attack drone. Photos of its wreckage later appeared online, and the use of this drone points to one extremely important fact.
Specifically, the downing of a Chinese‑made drone over Iran indicates the possible involvement of another country, since the U.S. and Israel do not use such UAVs. It is reported that this Wing Loong II was shot down near the city of Shiraz, which is located deep within Iranian territory.
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This means that this drone was not merely flying near the border conducting reconnaissance or surveillance, but was directly surveying Iranian territory and/or searching for a target. It is important to note that a major production facility for Iranian ballistic missiles, as well as an entire "missile city," is located near the city of Shiraz.
It is possible that this Wing Loong II was targeting Iranian ballistic missile launchers. This "missile city" was recently targeted by the U.S. with anti-tank mines in a bid to "neutralize" the ballistic missile launchers hidden in the tunnels.
What remains to be clarified is which country could have launched this drone. In the Middle East, two countries—the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia—possess Chinese Wing Loong I and II series drones.
It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia, despite coming under active attack from Iran, has adopted a more neutral stance, limiting itself to repelling attacks. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will decide to launch strikes against Iran.
In contrast, the UAE has suffered significantly more from Iranian attacks, losing up to two AN/TPY-2 radar systems and an unknown number of GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft. Given that the UAE has repeatedly asserted its right to carry out retaliatory strikes, it is likely that the downed Wing Loong II belonged this state.
As for the Wing Loong II, it is a Chinese copy of the American MQ-9 Reaper, which is being actively used to strike Iranian military equipment and ballistic missile launchers. It can carry up to 430 kg of guided munitions, has a total weight of 4.2 tons, a maximum speed of 370 km/h, and can remain airborne for up to 32 hours.
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