China is testing the GJ-21 large stealth naval drone on flight trials while its first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, expected to launch it, enters final sea trials. Multiple outlets report the drone has been spotted operating during test activity this month.
The GJ-21 is described as the naval variant of China’s GJ-11 stealth attack drone. One report notes the system first drew wider public attention when it appeared during China’s Victory Day parade in September last year, followed by limited subsequent public displays. Another outlet says computer-generated launch footage was later aired by state broadcaster CCTV, illustrating how the drone would be deployed from the ship.
While all accounts focus on the same two developments—GJ-21 flight testing and Type 076’s late-stage sea trials—outlets vary mainly in emphasis on timing (this month’s sightings versus earlier public appearances) and on how they characterize the drone’s relationship to the GJ-11 program and the ship’s role as its carrier.
