GJ-11 Sharp Sword

The Hongdu GJ-11 Sharp Sword is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed for the People's Liberation Army by the Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute (SYADI) and Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG). Part of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) 601-S program, the project was unveiled in 2009. Ground testing began on December 13, 2012, and the aircraft completed a 20-minute maiden flight on November 21, 2013, taking off from the HAIG airfield. Following testing and evaluation phases, serial production was planned for 2022.

The GJ-11 utilizes a tailless flying wing design. It has a length of 12.2 meters, a wingspan of 14.4 meters, and a height of 2.7 meters. The airframe incorporates stealth features, including serrated weapon bay doors and specialized shaping of the rear airframe around the engine exhaust. Early versions of the aircraft featured an exposed engine nozzle, while later iterations moved toward a more concealed configuration. The UCAV is powered by a single Guizhou-built turbofan engine and is designed for autonomous operations, including takeoffs from Type 076 amphibious assault ships.

The aircraft is equipped with two internal weapons bays. These bays provide a payload capacity of up to 2,000 kilograms (4,400 lb). The GJ-11 is capable of carrying bombs and precision-guided munitions. It is also designed to deploy swarming air-launched decoys or electronic warfare systems.

In operational service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), the GJ-11 serves in precision strike and aerial reconnaissance roles. It has been tested as a "loyal wingman" platform, with computer-generated concepts and testing demonstrating its integration into manned-unmanned teams controlled by a two-seat variant of the Chengdu J-20 fighter. In 2024, multiple GJ-11 drones were observed at Malan Air Base. Operational testing continued through late 2025 at Shigatse Peace Airport, and a mockup was displayed at the 2025 China Victory Day Parade.

Main Variants

• GJ-11: Original variant designed for land-based precision strike and reconnaissance.
• GJ-11J: Also designated GJ-21, a naval carrier-based variant under development for use on Type 076 amphibious assault ships.

Bombs payload:

• Guided Bomb Precision-guided munitions