Stealthy GJ-21 Drone Has Launched And Recovered From Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship, China Claims

Live updates

1. 1h ago

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

   China reports the first takeoff and landing of a stealth combat drone from an amphibious assault ship, marking a major milestone in naval aviation. The People's Liberation Army Navy states that the GJ-21 stealth reconnaissance and strike drone completed sea trials aboard the Type 076 warship Sichuan. The vessel is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult and arresting system, making it the world's first operational catapult-capable drone carrier. State media and defense reports highlight the successful execution of these operations, signaling advancements in carrier-borne drone technology.

   Why it matters

   The People's Liberation Army Navy has been building toward this milestone in naval airpower for more than a year. The integration of a fixed-wing stealth combat drone onto an amphibious assault ship expands the operational capabilities of modern naval fleets.

   What is confirmed

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

   What to watch next

   • Further disclosures or official footage detailing the performance of the GJ-21 during sea trials.
   • Subsequent deployment schedules for the Type 076 amphibious assault ship.
   Sources used for this update (13)

   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. Interesting Engineering — China showcases world’s first catapult-capable drone carrier; stealth UAV completes takeoff, landing
   7. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Has China achieved a new naval warfare breakthrough? GJ-21 stealth drone reportedly lands on Type 076 warship
   8. theaviationist.com — China Claims GJ-21 Naval UCAV has Flown from Type 076 Sichuan ...
   9. www.thedefensenews.com — China's GJ-21 Stealth Drone Completes First Sea Trials on ...
   10. www.armyrecognition.com — China’s GJ-21 stealth drone completes first takeoff and ...
   11. www.twz.com — Stealthy GJ-21 Drone Has Launched And Recovered From Type 076 ...
   12. www.chinadaily.com.cn — Stealth drone takes off from assault ship - Chinadaily.com.cn
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