IRIA News

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China has announced that its GJ-21 stealth reconnaissance and strike drone has completed its first takeoff and landing aboard the Sichuan, the country’s first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, marking a significant milestone in the Chinese Navy’s development of shipborne unmanned aircraft operations.

The test, announced by Chinese state media on October 30, 2026, demonstrates the navy’s ability to launch and recover fixed-wing stealth drones from large maritime combat platforms. The achievement also brings China closer to operating dedicated drone carriers that can support unmanned aircraft in naval operations.

According to the Chinese news agencies and state broadcaster, the Sichuan recently completed a series of sea trials during which the GJ-21 successfully made its maiden takeoff and landing from the vessel. The exact location of the tests was not disclosed, and China has not released photographs or video footage of the operation.

The announcement describes the GJ-21 as the Chinese military’s first shipborne stealth drone combining reconnaissance and strike capabilities. The aircraft is believed to be a naval variant of the GJ-11 stealth attack drone, which first appeared publicly during China’s military parade in September 2025.

GJ-21 Key Capabilities

Chinese military expert Zhang Xuefeng described the successful test as a global first, noting that the GJ-21 is the first large stealth reconnaissance and strike drone demonstrated operating from an amphibious assault ship.

Speaking to the Global Times, Zhang identified three main strengths of the aircraft: stealth performance, operational range, and relatively low operating costs.

The drone uses a flying-wing design and an S-shaped air intake mounted on its upper surface to reduce radar reflections. According to Zhang, these features provide it with strong all-aspect stealth characteristics, which he said could exceed those of some operational stealth fighters.

Its low-observable design makes it suitable for missions against heavily defended targets, including the suppression of enemy air defense systems. It could operate ahead of other aircraft to weaken hostile defenses and create opportunities for subsequent strikes.

The GJ-21 also benefits from the aerodynamic efficiency of its flying-wing configuration, which improves subsonic cruising performance and extends its operational range. Zhang said that despite having a smaller airframe than China’s J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters, the drone has a comparable combat radius.

Another advantage is its ability to be recovered, maintained, and redeployed for repeated missions. Unlike missiles, which are expended after use, the GJ-21 can return to its carrier for subsequent operations.

It can also carry relatively inexpensive guided glide bombs, potentially allowing the military to conduct repeated strike missions while controlling operational costs.

Electromagnetic Catapult Technology

The successful test also highlights the capabilities of the Sichuan, which is the first Type 076 amphibious assault ship independently designed and built by China.

The vessel, bearing hull number 51, was launched and officially named on December 27, 2024. With a full-load displacement of more than 40,000 tons, it is significantly larger than conventional amphibious assault ships and incorporates several technologies traditionally associated with aircraft carriers.

Its most important features include an electromagnetic aircraft launch system, an arresting system for recovering aircraft, an integrated power system, and an automated landing guidance system. These technologies allow it to operate fixed-wing unmanned aircraft alongside helicopters and amphibious equipment.

The electromagnetic catapult provides the additional launch force required for large drones such as the GJ-21, which Chinese military expert Song Zhongping said has a takeoff weight of more than 10 tons. The aircraft cannot independently take off from a conventional ship deck and therefore requires catapult assistance.

The vessel’s arresting system allows it to recover the aircraft safely after flight, making repeated operations possible. According to Song, the successful completion of the tests means the Type 076 has demonstrated the basic technical capabilities required of a catapult-equipped drone carrier, making it the first amphibious assault ship to achieve this milestone.

The Sichuan began its maiden sea trials in November 2025 to test its propulsion and electrical systems. It has since conducted additional trials, including equipment checks and assessments of its overall operational stability, according to Chinese state media.

Dedicated Drone Carrier Operations

The latest development represents an important step in China’s efforts to integrate unmanned aircraft into its naval operations.

Song said the Type 076 would continue compatibility testing with different types of unmanned aerial vehicles. He added that the vessel could eventually operate independently as a drone carrier while also helping China develop technologies for more advanced carrier-based aviation.

The GJ-21 could also operate alongside China’s conventionally crewed aircraft, allowing manned and unmanned platforms to conduct coordinated missions. In such operations, manned fighters could provide air cover while stealth drones approach defended areas to attack ground targets and air defense installations.

Zhang also suggested that deploying the GJ-21 from the Type 076 alongside China’s aircraft carriers could strengthen the navy’s capabilities in anti-surface and land-attack operations.

The vessel could potentially serve as a testing platform for future manned-unmanned teaming concepts, including operations involving China’s electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carriers. Song said the GJ-21 might eventually operate from the country’s aircraft carriers as well.

He also suggested that the Type 076 could be used to test the launch and recovery of crewed fighter aircraft in the future, although China has not officially confirmed such plans.

Competition in Carrier-Based Unmanned Aviation

China’s progress comes as the United States and China continue developing advanced unmanned aircraft for naval operations, including stealth platforms designed to operate from aircraft carriers.

The United States previously developed the X-47B, an experimental carrier-based stealth combat drone that demonstrated autonomous takeoff and landing capabilities during testing more than a decade ago. However, the program was eventually discontinued before entering operational service.

Chinese military commentators have contrasted the GJ-21’s development with the U.S. program, arguing that China’s approach has advanced toward practical shipboard operations.

The GJ-21’s successful operation from the Type 076 is particularly significant because it demonstrates the integration of a large stealth drone with an amphibious assault ship rather than a conventional aircraft carrier.

The development also reflects the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern naval warfare, where drones are increasingly used for reconnaissance, surveillance, target identification, and precision strikes.