China's Stealth Drone GJ-21 Makes First Flight from Amphibious Warship Sichuan

China's first carrier-based stealth surveillance and attack drone, the GJ-21, has successfully completed its first takeoff and landing. It flew from and landed on the Sichuan, the country's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship. China's state news agency Xinhua reported the information on Friday.

Xinhua described the test as 'a landmark event in China's amphibious assault ship programme'. In its view, it demonstrates the navy's capability to operate fixed-wing stealth drones from large naval platforms.

The test highlights Beijing's effort to incorporate drone technology into its military modernisation process. Under the decades-long modernisation programme, China has built advanced warships, fighter jets, missiles and increasingly capable unmanned systems.

The GJ-21 was first shown in public last year at a military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, where it was displayed alongside various weapons.

The state tabloid Global Times on Friday quoted military expert Zhang Xuefeng as saying that despite its smaller airframe compared with stealth fighters such as the J-35 and J-20, the GJ-21 has a large combat radius.

Zhang said: 'The GJ-21 is cost-effective and reusable. Unlike a hypersonic missile, it can be recovered and deployed again and again. It can also drop small, low-cost glide-guided bombs. In fast-paced or intensive military operations, it allows attacks to be carried out more effectively while keeping costs under control.'

The Sichuan, the first ship of China's Type 076 class of amphibious assault ships, was launched in December 2024. It is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology.

The ship can carry fixed-wing drones, helicopters and amphibious operation equipment. With a full-load displacement of more than 40,000 metric tons, it has a full-length flight deck and two separate superstructures in a twin-island design.