BEIJING, — China has released new close-up footage of its GJ-11 stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), showing its internal weapons bays, landing gear and other stealth features. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV also reported that the drone had completed its first live-fire strike mission, successfully hitting its target.
The footage, broadcast on November 9 ahead of the 77th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) on November 11, provides the clearest public view of the drone's underside.
China UNVEILS GJ-11 STEALTH DRONE — NEW FEATURES REVEALED in CLOSE-UP FOOTAGE Landing gear and INTERNAL weapons bay doors seen SELF-TRAINED FEMALE DRONE OPERATORS score FIRST-ROUND HIT during GJ-11’s FIRST live-fire strike mission https://t.co/AA04k8iqzn
— RT (@RT_com) November 9, 2026
GJ-11 Internal Weapons Bays and Stealth Design
The footage shows the landing gear retracting after takeoff and reveals two internal weapons bays beneath the fuselage, between the main landing gear. Their doors feature serrated edges designed to reduce radar reflections and maintain the drone's low-observable characteristics while carrying weapons.
Other visible features include an upper-fuselage air intake, a flattened and shielded exhaust nozzle at the rear, and a chin-mounted electro-optical sensor. Its flying-wing design and radar-absorbing materials further support its stealth configuration.
The GJ-11 is designed for precision strikes, reconnaissance and suppression of enemy air defence systems. Its internal weapons arrangement allows it to carry air-to-surface weapons without external mounting points.
First Live-Fire Mission Conducted by Female Operators
CCTV confirmed that the GJ-11 completed its first reported live-fire strike mission with two female PLAAF operators, Shi Xiaoran and Fu Ting. Both belong to the air force's first batch of self-trained female drone operators and completed their conversion training in five months.
Shi explained that heavy cloud cover initially prevented the operators from seeing the target. They directed the drone to circle back for another approach. After visually acquiring the target, they released the weapon and achieved a hit with the first strike attempt.
Shi also stated that a typical GJ-11 combat sortie lasts more than six hours, while some missions can continue for several days. CCTV did not disclose the exact mission date, location, target or weapon used.
Mobile Control Station and Fighter Integration
The GJ-11 operates through a mobile, container-based ground-control station that can be transported aboard military transport aircraft for deployment.
The drone is designed to work alongside crewed fighters and other unmanned aircraft. Its roles include reconnaissance, identifying enemy air defences, acting as a decoy and launching guided weapons under human direction.
In November 2025, China publicly showed the GJ-11 flying alongside J-20 and J-16 fighter aircraft, demonstrating its intended manned-unmanned teaming role.
GJ-21 Naval Variant
China is also developing a naval version of the stealth drone, designated GJ-21. The variant features folding wings and reinforced landing gear for carrier-based operations.
Chinese state media reported on October 30, 2026, that the GJ-21 had completed its first takeoff and landing operations aboard the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan, which features electromagnetic catapult and arresting systems.
The latest GJ-11 footage provides new information about the drone's design, weapons arrangement and operational control system. However, China has not disclosed its complete weapons capacity, combat range or detailed performance specifications.
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