China’s GJ-11 stealth drone flies with J-20 fighter jet in first public display
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China’s air force released new footage showing its GJ-11 stealth drone flying together with a J-20 stealth fighter and a J-16D electronic warfare aircraft, marking the first public display of coordinated flight among these aircraft.
On November 11, 2025, China marked the 76th anniversary of its air force with the release of a short film titled “Far-Reaching Dreams” showing for the first time its GJ-11 Sharp Sword stealth drone (now renamed Dark Dragon) flying in formation with the J-20 fighter jet and J-16D electronic warfare aircraft. The footage begins with the GJ-11 taxiing out of a hangar, taking off, and joining the two manned aircraft in formation. It represents the first publicly available imagery of these three aircraft operating together in a coordinated mission sequence.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The combination of the GJ-11, J-20, and J-16D might indicate a growing ability of the Chinese Air Force to conduct coordinated missions that merge stealth, strike, and electronic warfare operations. (Picture source: Chinese Air Force)
In this video, the GJ-11, which was previously nicknamed Sharp Sword, bears the name Xuanlong, meaning Dark Dragon, while the J-20 carries the established title Weilong, or Mighty Dragon, reflecting their integration within the same stealth-oriented operational framework. The J-16D’s participation emphasizes an electronic attack component complementing the stealth aircraft. Additional sequences include a J-20 launching an air-to-air missile and the firing of an HQ-20 surface-to-air missile from a ground platform, suggesting coordination between air and missile defense assets. The film combines these elements into a single operational depiction of modernized air combat capabilities, portraying the increasing synchronization of Chinese reconnaissance, strike, and electronic warfare aircraft. For China, the combination of these three aircraft highlights a transition toward manned-unmanned teaming and coordinated mission execution.
The GJ-11’s configuration implies multiple potential roles, including deep-penetration strike, surveillance, and decoy operations against advanced air defense networks, while the J-16D’s electronic warfare equipment, believed to include wideband jammers and radar detection pods, can suppress enemy radar emissions to protect stealth aircraft such as the J-20 and J-35. The flight sequence demonstrates a possible structure in which crewed fighters (such as the J-20S) manage UCAVs through encrypted data links, allowing one pilot to control or coordinate several drones, mirroring other air forces pursuing loyal wingman drones. The GJ-11’s position alongside a J-20 and J-16D also implies the creation of strike packages where stealth aircraft conduct attacks, airborne jammers degrade defensive sensors, and drones extend engagement range. Together, they could form a combined unit optimized for breaching integrated air defense systems and sustaining operations in heavily contested airspace.
For instance, the GJ-11’s flying-wing configuration minimizes radar returns by eliminating vertical stabilizers and smoothing the airframe profile. The drone is approximately 14 meters in wingspan and 12 meters in length, with two internal bays estimated to hold four to six small-diameter precision glide munitions or electronic payloads. The shielded exhaust outlet reduces infrared signature, while the serrated bay doors and composite materials limit radar reflection. The platform likely uses a single turbofan engine generating around 50 kilonewtons of thrust, providing subsonic cruise speeds with a combat radius possibly exceeding 1,200 kilometers. Estimated endurance ranges from 4 to 6 hours, depending on payload configuration. Such specifications support long-duration reconnaissance and precision attack missions while maintaining low observability. The overall structure corresponds to an aircraft capable of operating independently or under remote guidance in complex electronic environments.
Activity recorded over the past two years shows the GJ-11, also nicknamed Sharp Sword, moving from concept validation to sustained testing and limited operational use. Multiple units have been observed conducting coordinated flights at major test facilities such as Dingxin and Malan, indicating formation control and mission sequencing exercises. Operations from high-altitude airfields on the southwestern frontier suggest adaptation to thinner air and terrain challenges, important for missions across plateau regions. These deployments imply ongoing evaluation of range performance, radar signature behavior, and communication stability at extended distances. Patterns of repeated sorties and simultaneous airframes indicate that coordinated mission sets, potentially simulating autonomous swarming, are being tested. Endurance assessments, weapon separation trials, and data link integration likely continue as part of the combat readiness evaluation. While official confirmation of operational service has not been issued, the frequency and distribution of activities point to an advanced test phase preceding limited squadron introduction.
The Chinese Air Force film also serves to illustrate a wider modernization drive that incorporates artificial intelligence, simulation, and digitalized training. Other videos released the same day describe a hybrid training network that connects live aircraft, advanced simulators, and AI-driven “digital forces.” According to these videos, such a network enables mixed-reality exercises where algorithms evolve tactics dynamically during mock engagements. For Chinese pilots, such environments allow operators to refine coordination between manned and unmanned aircraft without a large expenditure of flight hours or exposure to risk. The AI-driven component supports real-time decision modeling, adaptive threat replication, and mission debrief automation. These functions accelerate the development of new air combat doctrines centered on human-machine integration. By merging simulated and live data, China’s air force claims that it can test command hierarchies for controlling multiple UCAVs, experiment with distributed sensor fusion, and evaluate resilience under electronic interference. The model also allows efficient resource use while maintaining training frequency at a high tempo.
Technical assessments suggest that the GJ-11’s internal bays may carry small precision-guided bombs, electronic warfare pods, or reconnaissance sensors, and a naval configuration could include anti-radiation or anti-ship munitions. The airframe’s modularity implies flexibility between intelligence-gathering and strike functions. Communication links likely operate on encrypted Ku- and Ka-band frequencies compatible with existing fighter data networks. The onboard mission computer is expected to feature semi-autonomous navigation and threat response capabilities, enabling independent operation if disconnected from command input. Flight control systems based on fly-by-light or fiber-optic transmission would improve resilience to jamming. Structural analysis of the composite wing suggests limited radar returns in the 3–18 GHz spectrum. Overall, these attributes reflect an attack drone designed for persistent operation within contested zones and adaptable to multiple mission roles.
A navalized variant of the GJ-11 appears increasingly plausible within the trajectory of China’s carrier aviation development. Modifications for shipboard use would include folding wings, reinforced landing gear, and corrosion-resistant coatings suitable for deck operations. Launch and recovery might rely on electromagnetic catapults and arresting gear similar to those of the Fujian-class carrier. The naval model could provide early warning, decoy, or precision strike capabilities to accompany crewed fighters such as the J-35. Incorporating carrier-based drones would extend surveillance and attack reach by several hundred kilometers beyond the task group perimeter. Maritime integration of stealth UCAVs would represent a major enhancement to distributed strike operations, allowing simultaneous engagements from sea and air platforms. Such deployment would also align with the strategic goal of establishing flexible multi-domain response capabilities across the first and second island chains, as also demonstrated by the development of an amphibious variant of the HQ-13 air defense system.
For China, the appearance of the GJ-11 Dark Dragon alongside the J-20 and J-16D symbolizes the maturing integration of stealth, electronic warfare, and unmanned technologies into cohesive force packages. The coordinated display demonstrates a clear progression toward networked combat where drones operate as extensions of manned aircraft, combining their strengths for penetration, data collection, and precision targeting. The film’s emphasis on coordinated movement and multi-layered capability integration reflects a comprehensive modernization plan built on AI-based training, digital command architecture, and modular platform development. The GJ-11’s characteristics, repeated testing, and potential naval adaptation indicate that it is approaching an operationally deployable stage. The coordinated portrayal of air and missile forces within the same production underscores the emergence in China of an integrated command structure designed for simultaneous air and ground defense operations.
Written by Jérôme Brahy
Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.
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China’s air force released new footage showing its GJ-11 stealth drone flying together with a J-20 stealth fighter and a J-16D electronic warfare aircraft, marking the first public display of coordinated flight among these aircraft.
On November 11, 2025, China marked the 76th anniversary of its air force with the release of a short film titled “Far-Reaching Dreams” showing for the first time its GJ-11 Sharp Sword stealth drone (now renamed Dark Dragon) flying in formation with the J-20 fighter jet and J-16D electronic warfare aircraft. The footage begins with the GJ-11 taxiing out of a hangar, taking off, and joining the two manned aircraft in formation. It represents the first publicly available imagery of these three aircraft operating together in a coordinated mission sequence.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The combination of the GJ-11, J-20, and J-16D might indicate a growing ability of the Chinese Air Force to conduct coordinated missions that merge stealth, strike, and electronic warfare operations. (Picture source: Chinese Air Force)
In this video, the GJ-11, which was previously nicknamed Sharp Sword, bears the name Xuanlong, meaning Dark Dragon, while the J-20 carries the established title Weilong, or Mighty Dragon, reflecting their integration within the same stealth-oriented operational framework. The J-16D’s participation emphasizes an electronic attack component complementing the stealth aircraft. Additional sequences include a J-20 launching an air-to-air missile and the firing of an HQ-20 surface-to-air missile from a ground platform, suggesting coordination between air and missile defense assets. The film combines these elements into a single operational depiction of modernized air combat capabilities, portraying the increasing synchronization of Chinese reconnaissance, strike, and electronic warfare aircraft. For China, the combination of these three aircraft highlights a transition toward manned-unmanned teaming and coordinated mission execution.
The GJ-11’s configuration implies multiple potential roles, including deep-penetration strike, surveillance, and decoy operations against advanced air defense networks, while the J-16D’s electronic warfare equipment, believed to include wideband jammers and radar detection pods, can suppress enemy radar emissions to protect stealth aircraft such as the J-20 and J-35. The flight sequence demonstrates a possible structure in which crewed fighters (such as the J-20S) manage UCAVs through encrypted data links, allowing one pilot to control or coordinate several drones, mirroring other air forces pursuing loyal wingman drones. The GJ-11’s position alongside a J-20 and J-16D also implies the creation of strike packages where stealth aircraft conduct attacks, airborne jammers degrade defensive sensors, and drones extend engagement range. Together, they could form a combined unit optimized for breaching integrated air defense systems and sustaining operations in heavily contested airspace.
For instance, the GJ-11’s flying-wing configuration minimizes radar returns by eliminating vertical stabilizers and smoothing the airframe profile. The drone is approximately 14 meters in wingspan and 12 meters in length, with two internal bays estimated to hold four to six small-diameter precision glide munitions or electronic payloads. The shielded exhaust outlet reduces infrared signature, while the serrated bay doors and composite materials limit radar reflection. The platform likely uses a single turbofan engine generating around 50 kilonewtons of thrust, providing subsonic cruise speeds with a combat radius possibly exceeding 1,200 kilometers. Estimated endurance ranges from 4 to 6 hours, depending on payload configuration. Such specifications support long-duration reconnaissance and precision attack missions while maintaining low observability. The overall structure corresponds to an aircraft capable of operating independently or under remote guidance in complex electronic environments.
Activity recorded over the past two years shows the GJ-11, also nicknamed Sharp Sword, moving from concept validation to sustained testing and limited operational use. Multiple units have been observed conducting coordinated flights at major test facilities such as Dingxin and Malan, indicating formation control and mission sequencing exercises. Operations from high-altitude airfields on the southwestern frontier suggest adaptation to thinner air and terrain challenges, important for missions across plateau regions. These deployments imply ongoing evaluation of range performance, radar signature behavior, and communication stability at extended distances. Patterns of repeated sorties and simultaneous airframes indicate that coordinated mission sets, potentially simulating autonomous swarming, are being tested. Endurance assessments, weapon separation trials, and data link integration likely continue as part of the combat readiness evaluation. While official confirmation of operational service has not been issued, the frequency and distribution of activities point to an advanced test phase preceding limited squadron introduction.
The Chinese Air Force film also serves to illustrate a wider modernization drive that incorporates artificial intelligence, simulation, and digitalized training. Other videos released the same day describe a hybrid training network that connects live aircraft, advanced simulators, and AI-driven “digital forces.” According to these videos, such a network enables mixed-reality exercises where algorithms evolve tactics dynamically during mock engagements. For Chinese pilots, such environments allow operators to refine coordination between manned and unmanned aircraft without a large expenditure of flight hours or exposure to risk. The AI-driven component supports real-time decision modeling, adaptive threat replication, and mission debrief automation. These functions accelerate the development of new air combat doctrines centered on human-machine integration. By merging simulated and live data, China’s air force claims that it can test command hierarchies for controlling multiple UCAVs, experiment with distributed sensor fusion, and evaluate resilience under electronic interference. The model also allows efficient resource use while maintaining training frequency at a high tempo.
Technical assessments suggest that the GJ-11’s internal bays may carry small precision-guided bombs, electronic warfare pods, or reconnaissance sensors, and a naval configuration could include anti-radiation or anti-ship munitions. The airframe’s modularity implies flexibility between intelligence-gathering and strike functions. Communication links likely operate on encrypted Ku- and Ka-band frequencies compatible with existing fighter data networks. The onboard mission computer is expected to feature semi-autonomous navigation and threat response capabilities, enabling independent operation if disconnected from command input. Flight control systems based on fly-by-light or fiber-optic transmission would improve resilience to jamming. Structural analysis of the composite wing suggests limited radar returns in the 3–18 GHz spectrum. Overall, these attributes reflect an attack drone designed for persistent operation within contested zones and adaptable to multiple mission roles.
A navalized variant of the GJ-11 appears increasingly plausible within the trajectory of China’s carrier aviation development. Modifications for shipboard use would include folding wings, reinforced landing gear, and corrosion-resistant coatings suitable for deck operations. Launch and recovery might rely on electromagnetic catapults and arresting gear similar to those of the Fujian-class carrier. The naval model could provide early warning, decoy, or precision strike capabilities to accompany crewed fighters such as the J-35. Incorporating carrier-based drones would extend surveillance and attack reach by several hundred kilometers beyond the task group perimeter. Maritime integration of stealth UCAVs would represent a major enhancement to distributed strike operations, allowing simultaneous engagements from sea and air platforms. Such deployment would also align with the strategic goal of establishing flexible multi-domain response capabilities across the first and second island chains, as also demonstrated by the development of an amphibious variant of the HQ-13 air defense system.
For China, the appearance of the GJ-11 Dark Dragon alongside the J-20 and J-16D symbolizes the maturing integration of stealth, electronic warfare, and unmanned technologies into cohesive force packages. The coordinated display demonstrates a clear progression toward networked combat where drones operate as extensions of manned aircraft, combining their strengths for penetration, data collection, and precision targeting. The film’s emphasis on coordinated movement and multi-layered capability integration reflects a comprehensive modernization plan built on AI-based training, digital command architecture, and modular platform development. The GJ-11’s characteristics, repeated testing, and potential naval adaptation indicate that it is approaching an operationally deployable stage. The coordinated portrayal of air and missile forces within the same production underscores the emergence in China of an integrated command structure designed for simultaneous air and ground defense operations.
Written by Jérôme Brahy
Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.
