China could manufacture up to 41,800 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), worth about USD10.5 billion, for land and sea-based operations by 2023, according to estimates cited by the US Department of Defense (DoD) in its 2015 annual report to Congress on Chinese military developments, published on 8 May. The DoD also believes that the development and acquisition of longer-range UAVs will increase China's ability to conduct long-range reconnaissance and strike operations, noting that four UAVs in development include the Xianglong (Soaring Dragon), Yilong (Pterodactyl), Sky Saber, and Lijian (Sharp Sword).
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