China’s GJ-11 “Sharp Sword” is rapidly gaining attention as a prospective carrier-based uncrewed combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), poised to potentially become the People’s Liberation Army’s first shipborne stealth drone. The aircraft was first introduced to the public during the 2019 National Day parade and has since made a notable return at the 2025 Victory Day military parade, sporting visible folding wing hinges—a design detail typically associated with operations from aircraft carriers.
This latest presentation has sparked speculation about the drone’s deployment on advanced platforms, such as China’s inaugural Type 076 amphibious assault ship. Observers have noted that the ship’s emblem includes imagery closely resembling the GJ-11’s wing profile, according to analysis by the South China Morning Post.
Further reports and design mockups suggest that developments for carrier-capable variants of the GJ-11 are ongoing. However, the drone’s operational status and full range of capabilities have yet to be confirmed by official sources.
The GJ-11 is rooted in China’s “Sharp Sword” project, initiated in 2009 by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and is now being manufactured by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, part of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China. The aircraft is primarily designed for strike missions but is adaptable for several roles, including air suppression, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and supporting crewed fighters, such as the stealthy J-20, in a “loyal wingman” capacity.
One of the GJ-11’s standout features is its ability to conduct autonomous operations, bolstered by artificial intelligence for executing complex missions. The aircraft’s design prioritizes stealth, featuring a tailless structure with a flying wing configuration and a fully blended body to minimize radar detection. Key elements such as its S-shaped air intake, shielded flattened exhaust nozzle, and a light gray paint scheme aligned with China’s crewed stealth fighters further enhance its stealth capabilities.
In terms of specifications, the GJ-11 measures approximately 10 meters (33 feet) in length and boasts a wingspan of 14 meters (46 feet) with an estimated takeoff weight of 10 tonnes (22,000 pounds). It can accommodate a variety of munitions, including cruise missiles, anti-radiation missiles, and precision-guided bombs, extending its versatility in combat scenarios.
The drone is estimated to operate at subsonic speeds, sustaining flight for about six hours and achieving a combat radius exceeding 1,500 kilometers (930 miles). This range enables it to effectively cover significant areas of the East and South China Seas from the Chinese coastline, or even extend its reach considerably when launched from aircraft carriers, positioning it as a critical asset in the region’s evolving military landscape.
