{
  "id": 4104303,
  "title": "China tests GJ-21 stealth drone as Sichuan Type 076 warship carries out sea trials",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/china-tests-gj-21-stealth-drone-as-sichuan-type-076-warship-carries-4104303",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-29T04:00:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Reuters Business via SCMP",
    "slug": "reuters-business-via-scmp",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3365654/china-tests-gj-21-stealth-drone-sichuan-type-076-warship-carries-out-sea-trials"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "China has conducted flight tests of its GJ-21 large stealth attack drone this month. The drone, a naval variant of the GJ-11 stealth attack drone, was first seen publicly at China's Victory Day parade last September.\n\nThe GJ-21 is intended to be launched from China's Type 076 amphibious assault ship, also known as the Sichuan. According to South China Morning Post, computer-generated footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed the drone being launched from the ship. The Sichuan, China's most advanced amphibious assault ship and the world's first drone carrier, is in its final sea trials.\n\nVideos posted on Chinese social media showed the GJ-21 flying over a highway service area in Huludao, Liaoning province. The PLA Navy is expected to take delivery of the warship by the end of this year, as reported by CCTV.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "China tests GJ-21 stealth drone as Sichuan Type 076 warship carries out sea trials",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/china-tests-gj-21-stealth-drone-as-sichuan-type-076-warship-carries",
        "published": "2026-08-29T04:00:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}