According to what has been suggested by local analysts on social media, the Chinese Navy would have operated for the first time its most modern stealth drone together with fighters belonging to the embarked air wing of the aircraft carrier Fujian, including J-15T models and the more advanced J-35s. These would specifically be the GJ-21 unmanned systems, which constitute a naval variant of the GJ-11 Sharp Sword model, and which, according to media from the Asian giant, would be the first of their kind in the world already operational.
Expanding on the details disclosed in the aforementioned posts, it is stated that “a new type of carrier-based aircraft” would have flown together with J-15T and J-35 fighters, primarily providing reconnaissance capabilities along with KJ-600 early warning aircraft. Following what was posted by Chinese analysts, this formed part of an exercise that sought to evaluate the coordinated functioning of different platforms, operating within different combat groups involved in surveillance and air defense missions.
In this regard, it should be recalled that the aircraft carrier Fujian and at least one of its escort units recently conducted exercises in the Bohai Sea, more specifically in waters near the city of Qinhuangdao. As previously reported, this is an area that has already been selected on prior occasions to test the Fujian and its aircraft under realistic conditions, especially considering that China’s most modern aircraft carrier would still be undergoing trials to validate its capabilities.
As one of the main aspects evaluated, it is worth highlighting the new electromagnetic catapults (EMALS) integrated into the Fujian’s deck, representing a significant advancement compared to the STOBAR systems used on the first two aircraft carriers operated by the Chinese Navy. This is not a minor detail, as it will allow it to operate with a broader range of aircraft, including heavier fighters as well as the aforementioned early warning aircraft.
On the other hand, reviewing what little is currently known about the GJ-21 drones that would have participated in these exercises, it can be mentioned that they are aircraft with a high degree of maneuverability and autonomy. According to Chinese publications, their design is intended to perform both surveillance and strike missions, as part of the support capabilities that Beijing could deploy in the event of an amphibious assault on Taiwan, or even against naval targets operating in waters surrounding the Asian giant.
Additionally, it is worth noting that these drones would incorporate new materials that enhance their stealth compared to the original GJ-11, as well as aerodynamic modifications to improve performance. Another aspect to highlight is that the Chinese Navy could not only operate them from the aircraft carrier Fujian, but also from the new Type 076 amphibious assault ships, whose decks have already hosted mock-ups of the GJ-21. On each of these vessels, it would be possible to accommodate up to 19 units, a number sufficient to ease the operational burden on aircraft carriers in the event of combat.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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