[1] It is believed that a satellite data link antenna is held in its large upper body dome.

BZK-005C: Developed from original BZK-005 and optimized aerodynamic structure and electronic system with attack and reconnaissance capability.

[6] In April 2019, the BZK-005 was confirmed to be used by the Chinese military in conducting maritime surveillance over the East China Sea.

It was speculated to be an upgraded variant, "specifically configured for wide-area intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions with an undernose synthetic aperture radar (SAR) radome – possibly housing a Ku-band D3010 SAR system with a dual-mode SAR/ground moving target indicator (GMTI) capability – and a mid-mounted ventral electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) turret.

"[8] On the 10 June 2024, the Armed Forces of Mauritania revealed they had received the delivery of the BZK-005E, along with other pieces of Chinese-produced military hardware.