China's GJ-21 stealth drone completes first ship landing

· Security · China

China's GJ-21 stealth attack drone has completed its first takeoff and landing on the amphibious assault ship Sichuan, which state media called "a breakthrough in China's amphibious assault ship programme". The drone first appeared at a military parade Beijing held in 2025. The milestone points to China's push to field carrier-capable stealth drones.

Why it matters：Carrier-capable stealth drones would extend China's reach in the Pacific, changing the balance of naval power in contested waters.

Key points

  • The GJ-21 completed takeoff and landing on the Sichuan
  • State media called it a breakthrough for the amphibious programme
  • The drone first appeared at a 2025 Beijing military parade

Sources (original reporting)

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