Hongdu GJ-11
Chinese unmammed combat aerial vehicle
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The Hongdu GJ-11 Sharp Sword (Chinese: 攻击-11 利剑; pinyin: gongji-11 lì jiàn) is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed in the People's Republic of China between 2009 and 2025 for the People's Liberation Army. It was designed by Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute (SYADI) and Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG), and is part of seven proposed models by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) program called "AVIC 601-S".[1][2][3] The GJ-11 can perform precision strike and aerial reconnaissance missions.[2][4]
| GJ-11 Sharp Sword | |
|---|---|
 Mock-up of GJ-11 displayed at Airshow China in 2021 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Unmanned combat aerial vehicle |
| National origin | People's Republic of China |
| Manufacturer | Hongdu Aviation Industry Group |
| Designer | |
| Status | In Service |
| Primary user | People's Liberation Army Air Force |
| History | |
| First flight | November 2013 |
Development
The Sharp Sword UCAV program was unveiled in 2009[5] and the first aircraft began ground testing on December 13, 2012.[6]
Early versions were less stealthy with an exposed engine nozzle.[7]
Images of the aircraft's 20 minute long maiden flight appeared on the internet on November 21st 2013, where the "Sharp Sword" took off from HAIG airfield.[8][3] This made China the fourth country to successfully conduct a maiden flight of a UCAV, after the United States, France and the UK.[9]
In October 2021, AVIC showcased the GJ-11 at Airshow China. The drone is reportedly capable of taking off autonomously from Type 076 amphibious assault ships. The stealthy drone is able to deploy swarming air-launched decoys or electronic warfare systems, in addition to launching precision-guided munitions.[10][11]
In October 2022, Chinese media showcased the computer-generated concept of three GJ-11 being controlled by a two-seat variant of the Chengdu J-20 fighter jet, akin to the Loyal Wingman program of the United States.[12]
The drone was in testing and evaluation as of 2021,[13] with serial production planned for 2022.[14]
In 2024, multiple GJ-11 drones were observed in the PLAAF Malan Air Base, a major hub for testing unmanned platforms. The PLA also tested the integration of GJ-11 with manned aircraft as manned-unmanned teams. A naval variant was under development for Type 076 big-deck amphibious assault ships.[15]
Operational testing continued in late 2025 at Shigatse Peace Airport. A mockup was displayed at the 2025 China Victory Day Parade.[16] In September 2025 the GJ-11 was very likely already in service with the PLA.[17][18]
In January 2026, the naval GJ-21 (GJ-11J) mock-up was spotted on the Type 076, indicating further development progress of the naval variant.[19][20] In May 2026, a GJ-21 prototype with arrestor hook and catapult launch bar on its nose wheel was spotted undergoing flight testing.[21]
Design
The GJ-11 uses a tailless flying wing design[2] with two internal weapons bays.[22][2] Stealth features include the shaping of the rear airframe around the engine exhaust[4] and serrated weapon bay doors.[22] The aircraft is powered by a single turbofan engine of unknown type, and the overall wingspan is 14 meters.[23]
The GJ-11 is referred to as the "loyal wingman" by the Chinese military.[24][25]
The naval GJ-21, also known as the GJ-11J, features folded wings, an arrestor hook for landing, and a double nose gear with catapult launch bar,[21] intended for CATOBAR operation with electromagnetic catapult on Chinese aircraft carriers.[20]
Variants
- GJ-11
- Original variant
- GJ-21
- Also designated GJ-11J,[26] naval carrier-based variant.[27]
