Hongdu GJ-11

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

The Hongdu GJ-11 Sharp Sword is a Chinese unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) built for the People’s Liberation Army by Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute and Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, as part of AVIC’s 601-S program. It is designed for precision strikes and aerial reconnaissance. Unveiled in 2009, it began ground testing in December 2012 and flew for the first time in November 2013, making China the fourth country to achieve a UCAV maiden flight. The GJ-11 uses a tailless flying-wing design with a 14-meter wingspan and two internal weapon bays. Its stealth features include shaping around the engine exhaust and serrated weapon bay doors, and it is powered by a single turbofan engine whose exact type has not been disclosed.

The drone has demonstrated autonomous takeoffs from Type 076 amphibious ships and could deploy air-launched decoys or electronic warfare gear in addition to weapons. AVIC showcased the GJ-11 at Airshow China in 2021, and by the mid-2020s the aircraft was in testing at PLAAF bases, including sightings at Malan Air Base. Plans have included a naval variant for Type 076 carriers. In 2022, computer-generated concepts showed three GJ-11s being controlled by a two-seat J-20 in a Loyal Wingman arrangement. A mockup appeared at the 2025 China Victory Day Parade, and testing continued into 2025 as China pursued manned-unmanned teaming. The GJ-11 is commonly described as a “loyal wingman” intended to operate alongside manned fighters.