Hongdu GJ-11
Chinese loyal wingman UCAV with stealth and carrier-based variants.
The Hongdu GJ-11 Sharp Sword is a loyal wingman unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) built for the People's Liberation Army. Development ran from 2009 to 2025, with design work split between the Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute and the Hongdu Aviation Industry Group. It belongs to a set of seven proposed models under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China's "AVIC 601-S" program, and is capable of precision strikes and aerial reconnaissance.
The program was first revealed in 2009, and ground testing of the first aircraft began on December 13, 2012. Early versions had an exposed engine nozzle, making them less stealthy. On November 21, 2013, images of a 20-minute maiden flight appeared online, with the aircraft taking off from HAIG's airfield. That flight made China the fourth nation to successfully fly a UCAV, after the United States, France, and the United Kingdom.
At the October 2021 Airshow China, AVIC displayed the GJ-11. The drone is reportedly able to take off autonomously from Type 076 amphibious assault ships. It can deploy swarming air-launched decoys or electronic warfare systems, as well as launch precision-guided munitions. In October 2022, Chinese media showed a computer-generated concept of three GJ-11s controlled by a two-seat variant of the Chengdu J-20 fighter, similar to the U.S. Loyal Wingman concept. Testing and evaluation were ongoing as of 2021, with serial production planned for 2022.
By 2024, multiple GJ-11s were seen at PLAAF Malan Air Base, a major hub for unmanned platform testing. The PLA also tested manned-unmanned teaming with the drone. A naval variant was under development for Type 076 big-deck amphibious assault ships. Operational testing continued in late 2025 at Shigatse Peace Airport. A mockup appeared at the 2025 China Victory Day Parade, and by September 2025 the GJ-11 was very likely already in service. In January 2026, a mock-up of the naval GJ-21 (GJ-11J) was spotted on the Type 076, showing further progress. In May 2026, a GJ-21 prototype with an arrestor hook and catapult launch bar on its nose wheel was seen undergoing flight testing.
The GJ-11 uses a tailless flying wing design with two internal weapons bays. Stealth features include shaping around the engine exhaust and serrated weapon bay doors. It is powered by a single turbofan engine of unknown type, with a wingspan of 14 meters.
Quick Facts
- Aircraft Type
- Unmanned combat aerial vehicle / Loyal wingman drone
- National Origin
- People's Republic of China
- Manufacturer
- Hongdu Aviation Industry Group
- Designer
- Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute / Hongdu Aviation Industry Group / Aviation Industry Corporation of China
- Primary User
- People's Liberation Army Air Force
- First Flight
- November 2013
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Sharp Sword UCAV program was unveiled in 2009, with ground testing beginning on December 13, 2012. Early versions were less stealthy, featuring an exposed engine nozzle. The maiden flight, lasting 20 minutes, occurred on November 21, 2013, from the HAIG airfield, making China the fourth country to successfully conduct a UCAV maiden flight after the United States, France, and the UK.
In October 2021, AVIC showcased the GJ-11 at Airshow China. The drone is reportedly capable of taking off autonomously from Type 076 amphibious assault ships and can deploy swarming air-launched decoys or electronic warfare systems in addition to launching precision-guided munitions. In October 2022, Chinese media showed a computer-generated concept of three GJ-11s controlled by a two-seat variant of the Chengdu J-20 fighter jet, akin to the US Loyal Wingman program.
The drone was in testing and evaluation as of 2021, with serial production planned for 2022. By 2024, multiple GJ-11s were observed at PLAAF Malan Air Base, a major hub for testing unmanned platforms, and the PLA tested manned-unmanned teaming integration. A naval variant was under development for Type 076 ships. Operational testing continued in late 2025 at Shigatse Peace Airport, and a mockup appeared at the 2025 China Victory Day Parade. In January 2026, a naval GJ-21 (GJ-11J) mock-up was spotted on the Type 076, and in May 2026 a prototype with an arrestor hook and catapult launch bar underwent flight testing.
Reader's Guide
The GJ-11 Sharp Sword represents China's entry into the loyal wingman UCAV concept, a role that pairs unmanned aircraft with manned fighters for coordinated operations. Its development, spanning from 2009 to 2025, placed China as the fourth nation to fly a UCAV, following the US, France, and the UK. The aircraft's tailless flying wing design and stealth features, including shaping around the engine exhaust and serrated weapon bay doors, emphasize low observability. The GJ-11's ability to operate from Type 076 amphibious assault ships and its integration with the J-20 fighter highlight its role in manned-unmanned teaming, a key area of modern aerial warfare. The emergence of the naval GJ-21 variant, with folded wings, an arrestor hook, and a catapult launch bar for CATOBAR operations, indicates an expansion into carrier-based operations. By late 2025, the GJ-11 was very likely in service, and its continued testing and deployment at major PLA bases underscore its significance as a platform for precision strike, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare, contributing to China's evolving unmanned combat capabilities.
Did You Know?
- The GJ-11 made China the fourth country to conduct a successful UCAV maiden flight, after the United States, France, and the UK.
- The drone is reportedly capable of autonomous takeoff from Type 076 amphibious assault ships.
- A naval variant, the GJ-21 (GJ-11J), features folded wings, an arrestor hook, and a catapult launch bar for carrier operations.
- In 2022, Chinese media showed a concept of three GJ-11s controlled by a two-seat J-20 fighter.
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