First-Ever Footage Emerges of China's GJ-11 "Sharp Sword" Stealth Drone in Flight

New footage from China has captured what is likely the first-ever clip of the GJ-11 “Sharp Sword” stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) during a test flight. This marks one of the few times the advanced Chinese drone has been seen airborne, showcasing its capabilities and drawing comparisons to very similar Western drones like the U.S.-made Boeing X-47B and the Dassault nEUROn from Europe.

First unveiled in 2019, the GJ-11 is a cutting-edge stealth drone developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). It boasts advanced stealth features, including an aerodynamic shape and radar-absorbing materials, designed to penetrate heavily defended airspaces undetected. The drone is not just an observation platform but is equipped for long-range strikes.

Probably the first ever clip of an airborne GJ-11 stealth ucav pic.twitter.com/SwUMTIOC3Z

— Húrin (@Hurin92) August 22, 2024

While the exact range of the GJ-11 remains classified, experts believe it has significant long-distance capabilities, potentially covering several thousand kilometers. The drone’s internal weapons bay allows it to carry various armaments, such as missiles and precision bombs, while maintaining its stealth profile. In addition to strike capabilities, the GJ-11 is designed for reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions.

There is increasing speculation about the GJ-11’s potential deployment from Chinese naval platforms, particularly the Type 075 amphibious assault ship. A 2021 animated video from China Central Television (CCTV) depicted the GJ-11 launching from this type of vessel, indicating the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) may be exploring the integration of stealth drones into its maritime operations. If successful, this could significantly extend China’s reach in maritime conflict zones, challenging U.S. dominance at sea.

However, deploying and recovering a stealth drone from an amphibious assault ship presents significant challenges. The U.S. Navy has led the way in this field, with its X-47B demonstrator drone and the upcoming MQ-25 Stingray carrier-launched refueler drone. Whether China can achieve similar operational success with the GJ-11 remains uncertain, but the latest footage demonstrates that China is advancing rapidly in this area.