Hongdu GJ-11


The Hongdu GJ-11 Sharp Sword is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle developed in the People's Republic of China for the People's Liberation Army. It was designed by Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute and Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, and is part of seven proposed models by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China program called "AVIC 601-S". The GJ-11 can perform precision strike and aerial reconnaissance missions.

Development

The Sharp Sword UCAV program was unveiled in 2009 and the first aircraft began ground testing on December 13, 2012.
Early versions were less stealthy with an exposed engine nozzle.
Images of the aircraft's 20 minute long maiden flight appeared on the internet on November 21st 2013, where the "Sharp Sword" took off from HAIG airfield. This made China the fourth country to successfully conduct a maiden flight of a UCAV, after the United States, France and the UK.
In October 2021, AVIC showcased the GJ-11 at Airshow China. The drone is reportedly capable of taking off autonomously from Type 076 amphibious assault ships. The stealthy drone could deploy swarming air-launched decoys or electronic warfare systems, in addition to launching precision-guided munitions.
In October 2022, Chinese media showcased the computer-generated concepts of three GJ-11 being controlled by a two-seat variant of the Chengdu J-20 fighter jet, akin to the Loyal Wingman program of the United States.
The drone was in testing and evaluation as of 2021, with serial production planned for 2022.
In 2024, multiple GJ-11 drones were observed in the PLAAF Malan Air Base, a major hub for testing unmanned platforms. PLA also tested the integration of GJ-11 with manned aircraft as manned-unmanned teams. A naval variant was under development for Type 076 big-deck amphibious assault ships.
Operational testing continued in late-2025 at Shigatse Peace Airport. A mockup was displayed at the 2025 China Victory Day Parade.

Design

The GJ-11 uses a tailless flying wing design with two internal weapons bays. Stealth features include the shaping of the rear airframe around the engine exhaust and serrated weapon bay doors. The aircraft is powered by a single turbofan engine of unknown type, and the overall wingspan is 14 meters.
The GJ-11 is referred to as the "loyal wingman" by the Chinese military.

Variants

;GJ-11: Original variant
;GJ-11J: Also designated GJ-21, naval carrier-based variant.