China’s GJ-11 Sharp Sword: The Rise of a Stealthy Flying-Wing Uncrewed Combat Air Vehicle

Recent satellite imagery and newly surfaced videos have unveiled critical developments in China’s aggressive pursuit of next-generation military technologies, specifically within the realm of stealthy, flying-wing uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAVs). Chief among these advancements is the GJ-11 Sharp Sword, a strikingly stealthy drone that reflects Beijing’s long-term commitment to modernizing its military and gaining technological parity—or even superiority—with other global powers, especially the United States. The recent surge in sightings and testing of the GJ-11, both in real-world conditions and on digital platforms, signals a new chapter in China’s ambitions for autonomous warfare and enhanced combat effectiveness.

GJ-11 Sharp Sword’s technical data

Satellite Imagery and Testing Activity at Malan Air Base

New satellite imagery reveals that two GJ-11 UCAVs have been highly active at Malan Air Base in the far-western Xinjiang province. Malan, long recognized as a pivotal testing ground for China’s uncrewed systems, has become a focal point of increased activity related to the GJ-11 in recent months. The significance of having more than one of these sophisticated aircraft available is monumental. Multiple GJ-11s provide not only an expanded capacity for testing but also the opportunity to explore cooperative flight capabilities, potentially signaling a shift in China’s strategic approach to unmanned aerial warfare. This increase in testing activity is aimed at developing tactics, techniques, and procedures for operating these drones in tandem with manned aircraft or other UCAVs, all while maintaining high levels of autonomy.

The GJ-11 has garnered attention for its cutting-edge design, which allows it to carry out strike missions while evading detection. The drone’s ability to operate stealthily stems from its flying-wing configuration, which minimizes its radar cross-section. Furthermore, internal weapon bays allow it to carry munitions without compromising its stealth capabilities. This feature aligns with China’s growing emphasis on developing drones that can play dual roles, both in direct combat and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

Historical Development of the GJ-11 and Associated Designs

The GJ-11’s journey began with a prototype flight that occurred in 2013, featuring a less stealthy design than the current models. By 2019, a significant overhaul in the rear aspect of the drone’s structure was revealed during a military parade in Beijing. This streamlined iteration, which has since undergone several modifications, marked the transition to a more refined, combat-ready version of the drone. Since then, multiple images of even stealthier GJ-11 variants have surfaced online, with the most recent video footage emerging in August of this year.

These new clips have attracted widespread attention due to the drone’s advanced flight characteristics, hinting at further technical improvements. Online observers have noted the uncanny similarity between the GJ-11 and the earlier American X-47B UCAV, though China’s program seems to have advanced significantly in recent years, while the U.S. program has stalled. The X-47B, developed by Northrop Grumman, was a pioneering attempt by the U.S. Navy to create a stealthy, carrier-based UCAV, but it ultimately transitioned into a much less ambitious tanker drone project, the MQ-25 Stingray. The contrast between the U.S. military’s approach and China’s continued focus on flying-wing stealth designs is stark.

The GJ-11’s Role in China’s Military Strategy

The GJ-11 is envisioned as a key component of China’s growing military focus on integrating crewed and uncrewed systems, particularly with its fifth-generation J-20 stealth fighter. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has increasingly linked the GJ-11 with its plans for airborne drone controllers. In particular, the two-seat variant of the J-20, which was first spotted in 2021, seems specifically designed for coordinating drone operations. This dynamic, where a manned fighter controls a swarm of UCAVs, is indicative of a broader trend in modern warfare, where human pilots will increasingly act as coordinators of autonomous or semi-autonomous systems rather than direct operators.

In addition to its role in air combat, the GJ-11 is poised to play a significant part in naval operations. Since 2019, the drone has been tied to the future operations of the PLA Navy (PLAN), specifically from its expanding fleet of aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. In early 2023, two GJ-11 mockups were spotted on Changxing Island, close to Shanghai, near the construction site of China’s new Type 076 assault ship. This vessel, which features a catapult-assisted takeoff but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) system, represents a leap in China’s carrier capabilities. The PLAN’s decision to incorporate the GJ-11 into its naval strategy underscores China’s intent to project power beyond its shores, leveraging advanced technology to counterbalance its maritime rivals, most notably the United States.

Emerging Video Evidence of China’s Expanding UCAV Program

In recent months, new videos have surfaced online, showing what appears to be further testing of the GJ-11 or possibly other, related flying-wing UCAV designs. One of the most talked-about videos began circulating in late August, although it is unclear where or when the footage was taken. The clip shows a stealthy drone in flight, leading to speculation that it may depict a new or upgraded model of the GJ-11.

However, there has been some debate within the defense analysis community regarding the origin and significance of this footage. The possibility has been raised that the drone seen in the video may not be a GJ-11 at all but rather a CS-5000T, a design from the state-run Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). The CS-5000T first appeared publicly at the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow, where it was displayed with features suggesting it was more than just a mockup. Andreas Rupprecht, a respected China aerospace observer, has described the CS-5000T as an ISR UAV with secondary strike capabilities. The emergence of new footage showing a similar drone has reignited discussions about China’s stealth UCAV ambitions and the breadth of its drone development programs.

In parallel, AVIC has been working on several other flying-wing UCAV designs, including the smaller CS-550T and the CH-7 from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). These drones have been seen in various stages of testing and development over the past few years, further highlighting the diversity and depth of China’s drone programs.

A Comparative Perspective: The U.S. Military’s Approach to UCAVs

While China accelerates its development of flying-wing UCAVs, the U.S. military’s interest in similar designs appears to have waned. The U.S. Navy’s X-47B program, once viewed as a trailblazer in the field, was quietly sidelined in favor of the MQ-25 Stingray, which is primarily a tanker drone with limited ISR capabilities. Although there have been discussions about arming the MQ-25, this has yet to materialize.

The U.S. Air Force has also shifted its focus away from stealthy UCAVs, instead concentrating on lower-cost, expendable drones that will function as part of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. These drones are designed to work alongside manned aircraft, but they are a different class from the high-end, long-range stealth UCAVs that China appears to be developing. This strategic divergence has raised concerns that the U.S. could fall behind in the UCAV race, particularly as China continues to demonstrate its commitment to these technologies through regular testing and high-profile unveilings.

China’s Growing Edge in Stealthy UCAVs

The latest satellite imagery and video evidence suggest that China’s development of stealthy flying-wing UCAVs is proceeding at an impressive pace, with the GJ-11 Sharp Sword at the forefront of this effort. By expanding its testing capabilities and increasingly integrating these drones into broader military operations, China is signaling its intent to dominate future air and naval combat scenarios. The GJ-11, along with other designs like the CS-5000T and CH-7, exemplifies the PLA’s broader shift towards autonomous warfare, where drones will play an ever-more significant role in frontline operations.

In contrast, the U.S. military’s more conservative approach to UCAV development could leave it at a disadvantage in future conflicts where stealth, autonomy, and long-range strike capabilities are paramount. While some stealthy UCAV work may be continuing behind the scenes in the classified realm, the visible gap between U.S. and Chinese programs has grown increasingly difficult to ignore. As China continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with unmanned aerial systems, the rest of the world will be watching closely to see how these advancements reshape the future of warfare.

Below is a detailed comparison of the GJ-11 Sharp Sword, X-47B, MQ-25 Stingray, CS-5000T, and CH-7. This table includes technical specifications and performance data, based on the most up-to-date information from trusted sources.

Key Takeaways:

• The GJ-11 and CH-7 are both designed for stealthy strike and ISR missions, with stealth being a key aspect of their design.
• The X-47B was more focused on carrier-based strike missions, with significant advances in autonomy and carrier integration, though it was retired after testing.
• The MQ-25 Stingray serves as an aerial refueling drone for the U.S. Navy, with potential for ISR missions, but it lacks the armament capabilities of the other UCAVs.
• The CS-5000T focuses on ISR missions with some strike capabilities, but limited detailed data on its specific armament or speed has been released publicly.

This comparison reflects the latest data available on these advanced UAVs, showcasing their respective strengths and limitations based on the roles for which they were designed.

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