China has completed the first takeoff and landing of its GJ-21 stealth drone aboard the Sichuan, the country’s newest amphibious assault ship. The test marks a major step in China’s efforts to expand the use of unmanned aircraft at sea and strengthen its naval combat capabilities.
The state news agency Xinhua reported the milestone on Friday. It described the trial as a breakthrough in China’s amphibious assault ship programme. The test also showed that the Chinese navy can operate fixed-wing stealth drones from large naval platforms.
The development is part of a wider military modernisation drive that has lasted for decades. China has invested heavily in warships, fighter jets, missiles and unmanned systems as it seeks to build a more advanced military force. The latest test highlights the growing role of drones in that effort.
The GJ-21 is described as China’s first carrier-based stealth reconnaissance and strike drone. It first appeared in public during a military parade in Beijing last year. The event marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two and featured a range of Chinese military equipment.
Unlike traditional aircraft designed mainly for surveillance, the GJ-21 is intended to carry out reconnaissance and strike missions. Its ability to operate from a ship could allow the navy to extend its reach without relying only on manned fighter jets.
The Global Times, a state-backed newspaper, reported that the drone has a substantial combat radius despite being smaller than China’s J-35 and J-20 stealth fighters. Military expert Zhang Xuefeng said its design could provide advantages during sustained operations.
Zhang also highlighted the drone’s expected cost benefits. He described the GJ-21 as a reusable system that can return to its launch platform after completing a mission. This could allow the military to recover, maintain and redeploy it rather than lose the aircraft after a single strike.
The expert compared the drone with hypersonic missiles, which are generally designed for one-time use. He said the GJ-21 could also carry small, low-cost glide-guided bombs. In high-tempo operations, this combination could help improve the efficiency of strikes while controlling costs.
These capabilities may offer the Chinese navy greater flexibility during operations at sea. Reusable drones could perform repeated missions, gather information and attack selected targets. However, the full performance of the GJ-21 and its operational limits have not been publicly detailed.
The aircraft’s successful test also draws attention to the ship designed to support it. The Sichuan is the first vessel in China’s Type 076 amphibious assault ship class. It was launched in December 2024 and represents a new stage in the country’s development of large naval platforms.
The ship features electromagnetic catapult and arresting systems. These technologies help launch aircraft and bring them back aboard. They are commonly linked with aircraft carrier operations and could allow the Sichuan to handle fixed-wing aircraft that cannot operate like helicopters.
The Sichuan can carry fixed-wing drones, helicopters and equipment used in amphibious operations. Its full-load displacement exceeds 40,000 metric tons. The vessel also has a full-length flight deck and a twin-island superstructure, giving it a design suited to complex air and sea missions.
The ship’s size and flight systems could allow it to support several types of military activity. These may include reconnaissance, air support, transport and operations involving forces moving from sea to shore. The addition of stealth drones could further expand the range of missions it can perform.
China’s state television reported on Friday that the Sichuan had conducted a series of sea trials in late October. It did not disclose where the trials took place. The tests are part of the process of assessing the vessel’s systems and preparing it for future operations.
In April, the Chinese navy said the Sichuan had sailed into waters in the South China Sea for scientific testing and training. Officials described that deployment as routine and said it was not directed at any specific target.
The South China Sea remains an important area for regional trade and security. China’s military activity there is closely watched by neighbouring countries and other regional powers. New capabilities involving large naval ships and stealth aircraft could influence how governments assess the balance of power in the region.
The GJ-21 test reflects China’s broader effort to combine advanced aircraft with increasingly capable warships. Unmanned systems can reduce the need to expose pilots to some risks while providing additional options for surveillance and attack.
Still, a successful takeoff and landing does not by itself confirm that the drone and ship are ready for regular combat operations. Further testing will be needed to assess their reliability, coordination and performance under demanding conditions.
The latest milestone nevertheless shows that China is moving ahead with plans to operate stealth drones from large naval platforms. As the Sichuan continues its trials, the GJ-21 could become an important part of China’s evolving approach to naval aviation and unmanned warfare.
