Recent imagery from Chinese state media and defense watchers suggests that a modified version of the GJ-11 Sharp Sword unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) is being adapted for carrier-based operations. If confirmed, this would mark a significant milestone in the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) efforts to field stealthy fixed-wing drones from its next-generation aircraft carriers.
New Design Features Hint at Navalization
The latest images of the GJ-11 variant reveal several notable design changes compared to earlier iterations. Most prominently, the drone now features a revised wing configuration with folding outer wing panels—an essential modification for deck handling aboard aircraft carriers with limited hangar space. This change aligns with standard naval aviation requirements and mirrors similar adaptations seen in U.S. Navy carrier-based drones such as the Northrop Grumman X-47B.
Additionally, analysts have pointed out subtle alterations to the landing gear structure and possible reinforcement of airframe components—likely to support catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested recovery (CATOBAR) operations. While no arrestor hook is visible in current imagery, it is plausible that such equipment is either retractable or omitted from test articles pending integration testing aboard PLAN’s third aircraft carrier—the Type 003 Fujian.
Carrier Integration Likely Linked to Type 003 Fujian
The timing of this new GJ-11 variant coincides with sea trials of China’s most advanced aircraft carrier to date—the Type 003 Fujian. Unlike previous ski-jump carriers (Liaoning, Shandong), Fujian features electromagnetic catapults (EMALS), enabling launch of heavier fixed-wing aircraft including large UAVs.
The presence of EMALS on Fujian opens up doctrinal possibilities for deploying high-endurance stealth drones alongside manned fighters like the J-15T and future naval variants of the FC-31/J-35. A navalized GJ-11 would complement these platforms by providing deep strike capabilities without risking pilot lives—a key enabler for anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) missions across contested maritime zones such as the Taiwan Strait or South China Sea.
A Long-Maturing Program Enters New Phase
The original GJ-11 Sharp Sword program traces back over a decade. Developed by AVIC’s Hongdu Aviation Industry Group in collaboration with Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, it first flew in 2013 as part of China’s push into low-observable UAVs. The tailless flying wing design bears resemblance to Western counterparts like Northrop Grumman’s X-47B and Dassault nEUROn but has remained largely shrouded in secrecy since its debut at Zhuhai Airshow 2019.
The recent appearance of a modified variant suggests that after years of ground testing and limited flight trials at land bases such as CFTE Yanliang or Dingxin Test Base, the program is transitioning toward operational integration—possibly within PLAN Naval Aviation units tasked with long-range ISR-strike missions.
Tactical Roles and Strategic Implications
If successfully integrated onto Chinese carriers, a navalized GJ-11 could fulfill several roles:
- Stealth Strike: Penetrating defended airspace to deliver precision-guided munitions against high-value targets.
- Aerial Refueling: Acting as an unmanned tanker—similar to Boeing’s MQ-25—to extend fighter range.
- Eloyal Wingman: Operating alongside manned fighters under cooperative engagement doctrines using datalinked C4ISR networks.
- SIGINT/ELINT: Conducting electronic surveillance over contested regions while minimizing risk exposure.
This would significantly enhance PLAN’s ability to project power beyond its immediate periphery while reducing reliance on vulnerable land-based infrastructure. Moreover, it underscores China’s growing emphasis on unmanned systems within its broader military modernization strategy—particularly in maritime domains where persistent situational awareness and long-range strike are critical force multipliers.
Caveats and Unknowns Remain
No official confirmation has been provided by Chinese authorities regarding this new variant’s designation or timeline for deployment. Questions also remain about its propulsion system (likely non-afterburning turbofan), weapons bay capacity (estimated at ~2 tons), sensor suite sophistication (EO/IR? AESA radar?), and autonomy level under real-world conditions at sea.
Furthermore, while folding wings suggest intent for carrier use, it is unclear whether full CATOBAR compatibility has been achieved—or if this is an interim technology demonstrator akin to early U.S. Navy UCAS-D efforts. The absence of visible tailhooks or launch bar mechanisms may indicate ongoing development rather than imminent deployment.
A Step Toward Carrier Drone Operations—but Not Yet Operational?
The emergence of a modified GJ-11 represents a credible step toward realizing China’s ambition for integrated unmanned carrier aviation—but several hurdles remain before operational status can be declared. Still, this development places China among a small cadre of nations exploring stealthy UCAVs capable of shipborne operations—a domain currently led by U.S. programs like MQ-25 Stingray and future NGAD adjuncts.
If successful sea trials follow in parallel with Fujian‘s commissioning timeline (expected late 2025–2026), then PLAN could field operational stealth drones from carriers before decade’s end—substantially altering regional airpower dynamics across East Asia’s contested littorals.
