China’s GJ-11 UAV is poised for crucial roles in intelligent warfare

As China’s Victory Day parade got under way in Beijing on September 3, some of the world’s most advanced military hardware began to file through Tiananmen Square with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) – the GJ-11 “Sharp Sword” – leading the way.

The drone, with the number 21 displayed on its fuselage, represented one of the most advanced uncrewed systems in service in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

A closer look at the aircraft’s wings showed visible folding hinges, a change from the debut of the UAV in 2019. It indicated that this latest variant – possibly a naval GJ-21 – was being adapted for potential deployment on aircraft carriers or amphibious assault ships.

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China showcases new military hardware in massive Victory Day parade

Earlier this year, images resembling the drone’s unique wing profile were featured on the emblem of the Sichuan, the Chinese navy’s first Type 076 amphibious landing ship, informally known as a “drone carrier”, with an electromagnetic catapult.

Taken together, the clues suggest that the GJ-11 could be the world’s first and only operational ship-based stealth combat drone.

GJ-11 specs

The GJ-11 evolved from the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation’s “Sharp Sword” stealth drone project in 2009 and is produced by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group. Both companies are subsidiaries of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

South China Morning Post