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China’s military has publicly released footage showing the GJ-11 “Sharp Sword” stealth drone operating alongside crewed fighters, highlighting the country’s advances in unmanned combat aviation. The short film, produced to mark the 76th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, shows the drone flying in formation with a J-20 stealth fighter and a J-16D electronic warfare aircraft, illustrating growing manned-unmanned teaming capabilities.
The GJ-11, also referred to as “Xuanlong” in Chinese media, first drew attention during the 2019 National Day parade. The flying-wing drone measures roughly 10 meters in length with a 14-meter wingspan, and features an internal weapons bay and a radar-reducing design. Visible folding hinges in the footage suggest the platform may be configured for shipboard storage, supporting potential naval or carrier-based operations.
State media presented the drone as an autonomous partner to crewed jets. Analysts say the GJ-11 could act as a wingman, performing reconnaissance or strike missions in high-risk areas, while the J-20 and J-16D provide stealth penetration and electronic warfare support. The J-16D, in particular, can jam enemy radar and suppress air defenses, allowing the stealth aircraft and drone to reach critical targets.
According to Interesting Engineering, operational details remain limited. Some reports suggest the GJ-11 may have a range exceeding 1,500 kilometers, but Chinese authorities have not released formal specifications. Its reported top speed is 1110 kmph, indicating a high-speed strike capability. Analysts note that the combination of stealth, unmanned endurance, and electronic support could allow the PLA to apply layered effects in contested airspace.
Observers emphasize that public footage demonstrates technological progress and doctrinal intent, though it does not confirm operational readiness. Successful manned-unmanned teaming requires not only hardware but also secure data links, command systems, and integrated tactics.
The release aligns with broader PLA initiatives to expand the role of autonomous platforms across both air and naval forces. By showcasing a ship-launched, high-speed stealth drone working in tandem with advanced fighters, the footage signals a focus on multi-domain integration, high-end strike operations, and increased reliance on unmanned systems in China’s future aviation strategy.
The video can be seen here.
