China presents close-up footage of stealth strike drone abandoned by the U.S.
Chinese state media have shown the GJ-11 in close-up from multiple angles for the first time. The footage reveals the drone’s weapon bays, sensor, and landing gear.
The tailless aircraft was first unveiled to the public in 2019 during a parade in Beijing. In 2025, China displayed it in flight alongside fighter jets, though much of its structure remained concealed. The new footage shows the GJ-11 on the ground and in the air.
The drone’s wingspan is estimated at 47 feet. Its flying-wing fuselage features smoothed transitions, a shielded engine, and internal weapon bays. The edges of the structure are aligned to reduce radar signal reflection. Mounted on the nose is an electro-optical and infrared sensor similar to those on the F-35 and J-20 fighters.
Leading Chinese state media stated that the aircraft can carry multiple guided bombs and munitions for striking hardened ground targets, including command posts and air defense systems. The types of weapons were not shown in the released footage, but the doors of two bays with serrated edges are visible.
China views the GJ-11 both as an independent strike platform and as a 'wingman' for manned aircraft. According to presenters, when paired with a fighter, the latter is to clear the airspace while the drone attacks high-value targets. It remains unclear whether the aircraft can engage in air combat and how autonomous it is: the video shows ground crews controlling it from a mobile command post. A separate segment featured the first two female operators of the Chinese Air Force during a live-fire test.
The U.S. previously tested a similar concept with the X-47B demonstrator, which could take off from an aircraft carrier and refuel without human intervention. In 2016, the Pentagon shifted the program toward the MQ-25 Stingray refueling aircraft following debates over the need for an expensive strike drone.
