China's GJ-21, world's first operational large armed reconnaissance stealth UAV on amphibious assault ship, boasts three core strengths: expert

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   China Tests GJ-21 Stealth Drone on Type 076 Assault Ship

   China has executed the first takeoff and landing of the GJ-21 stealth combat drone from the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan. State media and naval sources confirmed the trials involved electromagnetic catapult launches and arrested recoveries. This milestone establishes the vessel as the world's first operational catapult-capable drone carrier. The integration grants the Chinese Navy the ability to operate fixed-wing stealth unmanned aerial vehicles from large maritime combat platforms. Observers noted the milestone represents a notable advancement in naval aviation and unmanned warfare capabilities.

   Why it matters

   The trials validate the operational capabilities of the Type 076 warship, which features an electromagnetic catapult and arresting system. Signs of preparations for this naval airpower milestone had been building for more than a year before the sea trials took place.

   What is confirmed

   • China's GJ-21 stealth combat drone completed its first takeoff and arrested landing aboard the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan.
   • The Type 076 warship is fitted with an electromagnetic catapult and arresting system.

   What to watch next

   • Further sea trials and operational testing of the GJ-21 drone aboard the Sichuan warship
   • Additional disclosures from the People's Liberation Army Navy regarding the Type 076 amphibious assault ship capabilities
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. en.people.cn — U.S. Marine indicted on robbery-murder charges in Japan's Okinawa
   2. Reuters — China says stealth attack drone makes first takeoff, landing on amphibious ship
   3. The Aviationist — China Claims GJ-21 Naval UCAV has Flown from Type 076 Sichuan LHD
   4. TWZ — Stealthy GJ-21 Drone Has Launched And Recovered From Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship, China Claims
   5. Global Times — China's GJ-21, world's first operational large armed reconnaissance stealth UAV on amphibious assault ship, boasts three core strengths: expert
   6. South China Morning Post — China launches GJ-21 drone from first Type 076 warship Sichuan: state media
   7. Interesting Engineering — China showcases world’s first catapult-capable drone carrier; stealth UAV completes takeoff, landing
   8. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Has China achieved a new naval warfare breakthrough? GJ-21 stealth drone reportedly lands on Type 076 warship
   9. theaviationist.com — China Claims GJ-21 Naval UCAV has Flown from Type 076 Sichuan ...
   10. www.thedefensenews.com — China's GJ-21 Stealth Drone Completes First Sea Trials on ...
   11. news.cgtn.com — China's GJ-21 drone completes first takeoff, landing on ...
   12. www.globaltimes.cn — China's GJ-21, world's first operational large armed ...
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