China’s GJ-11 UCAV demonstrates shipborne capability

The UCAV demonstrated the ability to take off and land aboard a new amphibious assault ship.
China claims that its Hongdu GJ-11 unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) has taken off and landed aboard an amphibious assault ship.

The work took place aboard the CNS Sichuan, according to the country’s defence ministry. Images and video of the event have yet to emerge.

The ministry says the GJ-11 both landed and took off from Sichuan, but didn’t specify the sequencing of the work, such as whether the GJ-11 sailed from port aboard Sichuan, or landed on it before taking off again.

Launched in 2024, Sichuan is the first vessel of the 076 class. The vessel displaces around 50,000t and features a single electromagnetic catapult as well as arresting gear.

Despite the presence of arresting gear to “trap” landing aircraft, Sichuan lacks an angled flight deck, a key safety feature should an aircraft miss all of the wires.

The tailless GJ-11 is understood to be among Beijing’s most advanced uncrewed aircraft programmes. In November 2025 the People’s Liberation Air Force released footage showing the type in flight with a Chengdu J-20 and a Shenyang J-16D electronic warfare jet.

The activity precedes the much anticipated first test flights of the US Navy’s Boeing MQ-25 uncrewed refueling aircraft from a carrier.

North Korea’s Saebyeol-9 conducts a weapons test.
Source: Rodong Sinmun

Separately, North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun propaganda outlet issued a story about dictator Kim Jong Un visiting a UAV exhibition, where he viewed several UAVs or, possibly, mockups of UAVs.

Systems on display included platforms that have been seen previously in state media announcements, such as the Saebyeol-4, which is all but identical to the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk, and the Saebyeol-9, which resembles the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9 Reaper.

Rodong Sinmun’s coverage also included an image of an airborne Saebyeol-9 launching a missile.

Also on display was a large, tailless uncrewed aircraft that resembles the GJ-11 and other similar systems. The progress and capabilities of this aircraft, however, are unknown.

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