China’s GJ-21 stealth drone spotted as 40,000-tonne Sichuan drone ship nears trials
The GJ-21 is the naval version of China’s GJ-11 stealth attack drone. It first appeared publicly at China’s Victory Day parade in September last year and has made only limited appearances since then.
GJ-21 spotted flying over Liaoning
A Chinese social media post published on Thursday showed the GJ-21 flying over a highway service area in Huludao, a city in Liaoning province in northeastern China, SCMP reported.
Another post, dated August 19, showed the same drone flying over the service centre from another direction. SCMP said it had geolocated both videos and that they appeared to show GJ-21 flight tests, although the exact dates on which the tests occurred were unclear.
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A third video posted online on Thursday also appeared to show the drone in flight from a different angle.
Sichuan prepares to launch the stealth drone
The GJ-21 sightings come as the Type 076 Sichuan advances towards the next stage of testing. Computer-generated footage broadcast by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV in July showed how the ship would use its electromagnetic catapult to launch the drone.The 40,000-tonne amphibious assault ship has entered its final testing phase, according to an expert quoted by CCTV. The People’s Liberation Army Navy is expected to take delivery of the vessel by the end of this year.
The Sichuan is designed to operate both crewed and uncrewed fixed-wing aircraft, including the GJ-21, along with helicopters.
Electromagnetic catapult sets Sichuan apart
The Sichuan is described as the only amphibious assault ship in the world equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system. The technology is expected to allow the vessel to launch fixed-wing aircraft from its deck.
CCTV footage has also shown the ship carrying deck-line markings and deploying decoys. Earlier this month, another broadcast showed the Sichuan launching a red test vehicle using its electromagnetic aircraft-launch system.
With these capabilities, the vessel is positioned to serve not only as an amphibious assault platform but also as a carrier for uncrewed aviation systems.
Satellite image shows Sichuan near Qingdao
A satellite image shared on Thursday by X user MT Anderson appeared to show the Sichuan near China’s Qingdao naval base on August 25. The image also appeared to show two Type 052 destroyers and three Type 054 frigates alongside the ship.
The Qingdao facility serves as the headquarters of the People’s Liberation Army Navy under the Northern Theatre Command.
The image also showed the Liaoning, China’s first aircraft carrier, moored at the pier. However, SCMP said it had not independently verified the satellite image, and it was not clear whether the other warships were present for trials involving the Sichuan.
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Why the Type 076 matters
The Sichuan has a full-load displacement of more than 40,000 tonnes and is designed to transport landing craft, troops, armoured vehicles and aircraft for amphibious operations.
The ship is expected to become one of Beijing’s important military assets in any potential conflict involving Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan part of China and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification.
China has increased military and political pressure on the self-ruled island since cross-strait tensions intensified around four years ago.
Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state. Washington, however, opposes any attempt to seize the island by force and remains committed to supplying Taiwan with weapons.
