China Claims Stealth GJ-21 Drone Completes Takeoff, Landing on Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship
China's navy confirms the GJ-21 stealth reconnaissance and strike drone completed its first takeoff and landing aboard the Type 076 Sichuan, marking a signif...
POLICY WIRE — Beijing, China — China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy has announced the successful takeoff and landing of the GJ-21 stealth reconnaissance and strike drone aboard the Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan (Hull 51).
The milestone flight test, conducted during October sea trials, marks a significant step forward in China’s naval capabilities. The GJ-21, described by Chinese officials as the world’s first operational large armed reconnaissance stealth UAV, is equipped with advanced electromagnetic catapult launch and recovery systems.
According to state news agency Xinhua, the GJ-21 completed its first electromagnetic catapult launch and arrested landing on the Sichuan. The navy officials confirmed this achievement on October 30, 2026, validating the operational integration of carrier-grade EMALS and recovery systems.
The GJ-21 is touted for its three core strengths, as reported by the Global Times, enhancing its effectiveness in both reconnaissance and strike missions. The absence of visual confirmation has not curtailed the significance of the event, which indicates steady progress in the preparation for flight trials aboard the Sichuan.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
