China highlights GJ-11 combat drone ahead of air force anniversary
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Chinese state media has released new images of its GJ-11 stealth combat drone, which publicly flew for the first time in a November 2025 PLAAF video. The GJ-11 is believed to have entered service.
The stealthy drone is a flying wing and is known in China as the Xuanlong, or Dark Dragon. It was first unveiled in China’s 2019 National Day military parade in Beijing
China’s CCTV unveils detailed pictures of its GJ-11 drone
The video of the drone appeared in a report by China’s CCTV state broadcaster in a countdown to tomorrow’s 77th anniversary of the PLA Air Force.
Images provide a good look at the drone, including its large internal weapon bay, which has been designed to carry relatively large missiles. The GJ-11 has a shielded jet nozzle, low-visibility coating, and a faceted optical window mounted beneath the nose.
According to reporting by the South China Morning Post, this appears similar to the electro-optical targeting system found on China’s leading J-20 fighter.
Like various US designs, including the upcoming Lockheed Martin Vectis, the GJ-11 has its air intake on top of its fuselage. It also bears a flattened tail section.
The state-run English-language outlet, Global Times, reported that CCTV also revealed: “Two post-95s drone operators Shi Xiaoran and Fu Ting, are among the first batch of female drone operators trained independently by the PLA Air Force.”
Role of the GJ-11 stealth combat drone
Chinese state TV characterized the GJ-11 as a pioneer and a pathfinder. Core future missions include ground strikes and serving as a loyal wingman drone for fighter jets.
A video shows it flying in formation with a J-20 stealth fighter and J-16D electronic warfare aircraft, although it is unclear if they are teaming.
China released a video a year ago showing it firing a live PL-15 air-to-air missile.
The CCTV report stated that the GJ-11, operating in coordination with another drone, “can serve as the eyes of crewed fighter jets, conducting forward reconnaissance to identify enemy air defence systems.”
It added, “They can also act as decoys to draw enemy fire and expose hostile positions, or even function as airborne weapons platforms, launching guided munitions under the direction of manned aircraft.”
Its internal weapons bay is capable of accommodating a variety of air-to-surface munitions. The design is reported to provide strong stealth and endurance, while also being able to carry out suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD) missions.
The GJ-11’s development & naval variant
Cloud cover has been an issue for targeting. The state report featured operator Shi Xiaoran saying the GJ-11 almost failed to locate its target during its first live-fire test on account of thick cloud cover.
Circling back for another pass, the drone is reported to have targeted and hit the target. The CCTV did not elaborate on the circumstances.
China has shown for the first time how operators work the Gongji-11 (GJ-11) strike drone, which it describes as a “door-kicking tool” meant to break through enemy air defenses first. The drone is meant to destroy key targets and open the way for crewed aircraft. Operator Shi Xiaoran said a single combat sortie usually lasts more than six hours, and some operations can run for several days.
— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 9, 2026
China’s new stealth drone is believed to have been developed and tested at the PLA AF base in Malan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
It also has a carrier-based naval variant, the GJ-21. That drone is reported to have successfully carried out a take-off and landing operation on the PLAN’s Type 076 Sichuan amphibious assault ship last week.
