Hongdu GJ-11

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.

Design

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.