Chinese UAVs News & Discussions

[Deino]

The GJ-11 stealth drone appears with a PL-15E missile, heralding the emergence of China’s kill web
ByFabrice Wolf

09/02/2026

Recently released images reportedly show the Chinese GJ-11 Sharp Sword stealth drone with a PL-15E air-to-air missile, possibly at the moment of launch. Their origin and the reality of the test still need to be confirmed. Until now mainly associated with reconnaissance and ground strikes, this flying-wing aircraft is now appearing in an air-combat configuration. This observation is not sufficient to make it an operational interceptor, but it reveals a new component of the distributed combat web that Chinese forces are building around their stealth fighters.

Table of contents​

1. GJ-11 and PL-15E in an air-to-air configuration
2. J-20, electronic warfare and Chinese drones
3. The People’s Liberation Army is preparing a distributed architecture

GJ-11 and PL-15E in an air-to-air configuration​

Developed by the HAIG aerospace group, the GJ-11 is approximately 10 metres long and has a 14-metre wingspan. Its maximum take-off weight is estimated at 10,000 kg, with a payload of up to 2,000 kg in its internal bays. Published data attribute it a maximum range of 4,000 km and an endurance close to six hours. Its tailless airframe and internal stores reduce its radar signature, enabling it to accompany crewed aircraft in heavily defended airspace.

The PL-15E reportedly observed with the drone is the export version of the Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missile. It is said to feature an active electronically scanned array radar seeker and an estimated range of 145 km, while its speed is in the high-supersonic range. The physical integration of such a weapon would nevertheless represent a different step from autonomous target detection, identification, firing authorization and missile guidance in a jammed environment. The available images do not establish that this entire chain has been validated.

The GJ-11 is intended to operate alongside the J-20, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s principal stealth fighter. In such an organization, the drone can move ahead of the crewed aircraft, collect data and carry weapons, while information is shared among several platforms. This kill web, or distributed combat web, therefore no longer relies on a fixed sequence between a sensor and a shooter. Each connected aircraft can contribute to detection, transmission or engagement according to its position and capabilities.

The GJ-11 stealth drone appears with a PL-15E missile, heralding the emergence of China’s kill web

The reported appearance of a GJ-11 carrying a PL-15E highlights China’s growing distributed air-combat architecture around the J-20.

meta-defense.fr

That's false ... it is a well-known CG and not a real image!

https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Vkz4YqEyd/?share_source=copy_web&vd_source=11ffc5e05c5973a2b514b39d7039639b

 

[Shui]

 

[Deino]

Interesting: According to
@thewarzonewire „A satellite image taken last week of Malan shows the WZ-X undergoing testing and gives us a clear view of its shallowly ‘serrated’ trailing edge.“

 

[Shui]

Interesting: According to
@thewarzonewire „A satellite image taken last week of Malan shows the WZ-X undergoing testing and gives us a clear view of its shallowly ‘serrated’ trailing edge.“

View attachment 214020

just a bit more so than we can have a clear view of the top structure and intake.

 

[Deino]

just a bit more so than we can have a clear view of the top structure and intake.

Another image of the WZ-X was posted showing for the first time clearly it’s unique wing geometry with the serrated trailing edge.

 

[HERO]

What you see! Is only what you're allowed to see!

 

[Michael]

 

[Deino]

If I'm not mistaken, this is the first footage I remember showing a WZ-8 in flight.
(Via @琴石2022)

 

[Michael]

 

[Deino]

Some more





+ the video:

 

[Beijingwalker]

New footage offers rare, multi-angle look at China’s GJ-11 stealth drone
By: Global Times
| Published: Nov 09, 2026 05:52 PM

A closer look at China's GJ-11 stealth drone! CCTV News' military channel has released new footage of the domestically developed, tailless flying-wing drone on Monday. All weapons are carried internally in a belly weapons bay of the drone, and the bay can accommodate a variety of air-to-surface munitions.

 

[Beijingwalker]

China highlights GJ-11 combat drone ahead of air force anniversary
New images and state reporting reveals more of China's new higher-end stealth strike and loyal wingman drone that appears to be entering service.
Aaron Spray
November 10, 202

Photo: CCTV

• Chinese state media has released new images of its GJ-11 stealth combat drone.
• The stealthy drone is a flying wing and is known in China as the Xuanlong, or Dark Dragon.
• A report by China's CCTV state broadcaster said the GJ-11, operating in coordination with another drone, "can serve as the eyes of crewed fighter jets.

Chinese state media has released new images of its GJ-11 stealth combat drone, which publicly flew for the first time in a November 2025 PLAAF video. The GJ-11 is believed to have entered service.

The stealthy drone is a flying wing and is known in China as the Xuanlong, or Dark Dragon. It was first unveiled in China’s 2019 National Day military parade in Beijing

China’s CCTV unveils detailed pictures of its GJ-11 drone​

The video of the drone appeared in a report by China’s CCTV state broadcaster in a countdown to tomorrow’s 77th anniversary of the PLA Air Force.

Images provide a good look at the drone, including its large internal weapon bay, which has been designed to carry relatively large missiles. The GJ-11 has a shielded jet nozzle, low-visibility coating, and a faceted optical window mounted beneath the nose.

According to reporting by the South China Morning Post, this appears similar to the electro-optical targeting system found on China’s leading J-20 fighter.

Photo: CCTV
Like various US designs, including the upcoming Lockheed Martin Vectis, the GJ-11 has its air intake on top of its fuselage. It also bears a flattened tail section.

The state-run English-language outlet, Global Times, reported that CCTV also revealed: “Two post-95s drone operators Shi Xiaoran and Fu Ting, are among the first batch of female drone operators trained independently by the PLA Air Force.”

Role of the GJ-11 stealth combat drone​

Chinese state TV characterized the GJ-11 as a pioneer and a pathfinder. Core future missions include ground strikes and serving as a loyal wingman drone for fighter jets.

A video shows it flying in formation with a J-20 stealth fighter and J-16D electronic warfare aircraft, although it is unclear if they are teaming.

China released a video a year ago showing it firing a live PL-15 air-to-air missile.

The CCTV report stated that the GJ-11, operating in coordination with another drone, “can serve as the eyes of crewed fighter jets, conducting forward reconnaissance to identify enemy air defence systems.”

Photo: Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force

It added, “They can also act as decoys to draw enemy fire and expose hostile positions, or even function as airborne weapons platforms, launching guided munitions under the direction of manned aircraft.”

Its internal weapons bay is capable of accommodating a variety of air-to-surface munitions. The design is reported to provide strong stealth and endurance, while also being able to carry out suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD) missions.

China’s B-2-sized stealth drones spotted at Malan test base in satellite imageryChina’s B-2-sized stealth drones spotted at Malan test base in satellite imagery

The GJ-11’s development & naval variant​

Cloud cover has been an issue for targeting. The state report featured operator Shi Xiaoran saying the GJ-11 almost failed to locate its target during its first live-fire test on account of thick cloud cover.

Circling back for another pass, the drone is reported to have targeted and hit the target. The CCTV did not elaborate on the circumstances.



China’s new stealth drone is believed to have been developed and tested at the PLA AF base in Malan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

It also has a carrier-based naval variant, the GJ-21. That drone is reported to have successfully carried out a take-off and landing operation on the PLAN’s Type 076 Sichuan amphibious assault ship last week.

China's GJ-11 stealth drone shown with internal weapons bay

New CCTV footage provides a closer look at China's GJ-11 stealth drone, including its internal weapons bay and targeting systems.

aerospaceglobalnews.com