China is advancing its naval aviation and unmanned warfare capabilities with flight testing of the GJ-21 stealth attack drone, alongside the final sea trials of its Type 076 amphibious assault ship, Sichuan. Recent observations have shown the distinctive flying-wing stealth UAV in flight.
GJ-21 Stealth UAV
The GJ-21 is a navalised version of China’s land-based GJ-11 “Sharp Sword” stealth attack drone. It has been specifically adapted for operations from carriers and other flat-deck vessels.
- Type: Stealth attack Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
- Base platform: GJ-11 Sharp Sword
- Variant: Naval version designated GJ-21
- Designed for: Carrier and flat-deck operations
- First unveiled: At China’s Victory Day Parade in September 2025
- Since its unveiling, the GJ-21 has made only rare public appearances.
Its flight testing is significant because it demonstrates China’s efforts to integrate stealthy unmanned aircraft with naval platforms, potentially expanding the reach and flexibility of its maritime aviation forces.
Type 076 ‘Sichuan’
- The Type 076 Sichuan is a 40,000-plus-tonne amphibious assault ship currently undergoing its final sea trials.
- What makes the vessel particularly notable is its incorporation of an integrated electromagnetic catapult and arresting-gear system.
Why Is the Electromagnetic Catapult Important?
The system allows the flat-top vessel to launch and recover heavier fixed-wing uncrewed combat aircraft, in addition to operating conventional rotary-wing aircraft such as helicopters.
The Sichuan is described as the world’s first and only amphibious assault ship equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system.
It is expected to operate:
- GJ-21 stealth combat drones
- Other uncrewed fixed-wing aircraft
- Potentially crewed fixed-wing aircraft
- Helicopters