Japanese fighters tracked a Chinese supersonic drone spying on its bases [Video]

Japan intercepted the Chinese supersonic WL-10/WZ-10 drone over the East China Sea for the first time on Monday.

The drone, which appears to mainly serve as a reconnaissance and electronic warfare platform with some strike capabilities, was flying near Japanese air defenses and a key base hosting US airpower.

Japan’s Joint Staff Office, which oversees ground, maritime, and air self-defense forces, released a statement on Monday confirming the interception of the Chinese WL-10, or WingLoong-10, drone. China also appears to designate the drone the WZ-10.

The office said this was the first time the aircraft was spotted in an airspace violation. Japanese fighter jets responded to the drone, monitoring its flight.

According to the office’s post, the WL-10 drone’s flight pattern showed it traveling in the East China Sea north of Taiwan and near Japan’s Okinawa prefecture, a grouping of southwestern islands in the area. It’s home to multiple Patriot …