China tests GJ-21 stealth drone as Sichuan Type 076 warship carries out sea trials
China’s GJ-21 large stealth attack drone has been spotted on flight tests this month, as the country’s first Type 076 amphibious assault ship – the vessel that will launch the drone – enters its final sea trials. The GJ-21, the naval variant of the GJ-11 stealth attack drone, first appeared at China’s Victory Day parade in September last year and has made rare public appearances since then.…
China recently conducted flight tests of its GJ-21 stealth attack drone, which will be launched from the country's new Type 076 amphibious assault ship. The Type 076, the world's first drone carrier, is currently undergoing final sea trials before expected delivery by the end of this year. The recently seen unmanned drone is a naval variant of the GJ-11 model, which made its public debut at China's Victory Day parade in September last year.
In July, CCTV reported that the 40,000-tonne Sichuan was completing its final testing phase, positioning it as a critical asset for China in any potential conflict with Taiwan. The Type 076 is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system, enabling it to launch both crewed and uncrewed fixed-wing aircraft, including the GJ-21 drone, as well as helicopters.
Recent satellite imagery suggests the Sichuan, alongside other warships, was positioned off the Qingdao naval base on August 25, although it is unclear if these vessels were undergoing trials with the Sichuan.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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