World · Singapore Bureau
China's stealth drone completes maiden carrier landings on new assault ship
Beijing says its first carrier-based stealth reconnaissance and strike drone has successfully conducted takeoff and landing operations aboard the Sichuan, China's newest amphibious assault vessel. The GJ-21 drone represents a significant advancement in the country's naval aviation capabilities.
LSN Singapore ·
China's GJ-21 stealth drone has completed its initial flight operations on the Sichuan, a Type 076 amphibious assault ship, according to official sources. The successful takeoff and landing marks a milestone in the development of the unmanned aircraft, which is designed to perform reconnaissance and strike missions from naval platforms.
The Sichuan is China's first purpose-built Type 076 vessel, representing an upgrade in the country's amphibious warfare capabilities. The integration of the GJ-21 drone aboard the ship enhances its operational flexibility by providing extended surveillance and strike reach without requiring pilot presence in the aircraft.
The completion of carrier operations testing suggests the drone has progressed through its development phases toward operational deployment. Stealth characteristics in the design reduce its radar detectability, potentially offering tactical advantages in contested maritime environments.
The development comes as regional military capabilities continue to evolve, with naval powers investing in unmanned systems to extend operational reach. The successful integration of the GJ-21 with China's amphibious fleet underscores ongoing modernization efforts within the People's Liberation Army Navy.