BEIJING — China has successfully completed the first takeoff and landing tests of a stealth drone aboard a warship equipped with an electromagnetic catapult, according to Chinese state media on Friday.
The Gongji-21 (GJ-21), an unmanned aerial vehicle designed for both intelligence gathering and combat operations, recently completed its initial successful flight operations aboard the Sichuan, China’s first Type 076 amphibious assault ship.
The development represents a significant advancement in China’s naval aviation capabilities, as the GJ-21 is the country’s first carrier-based stealth drone equipped for both reconnaissance and strike missions.
Launched in 2024, the Sichuan recently conducted a sea trial during which the drone’s takeoff and landing capabilities were tested. Chinese media described the achievement as an important milestone in the development of amphibious assault vessels, demonstrating the navy’s ability to operate fixed-wing stealth drones from large maritime platforms.
The domestically manufactured warship is equipped with several advanced technologies, including an automated landing guidance system, an integrated power system, an electromagnetic catapult and arresting equipment.
These features allow the vessel to accommodate different types of aircraft and military equipment, including fixed-wing drones, helicopters and amphibious vehicles.
The Sichuan is also the first Chinese warship to feature an electromagnetic catapult system, which helps launch aircraft by rapidly accelerating them along the flight deck.
The GJ-21 is a large, tailless, subsonic aircraft powered by a turbofan engine. Its launch bar enables it to use the electromagnetic catapult, while an arresting hook allows it to land safely by connecting with arresting wires on the vessel.
Additionally, its folding wings make storage and movement across the ship’s flight deck more convenient.
The successful tests highlight China’s growing efforts to strengthen its naval aviation technology and expand the operational capabilities of unmanned military aircraft.
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