China Shows the GJ-11's Weapon Bays and Claims a First Live-Fire Hit
State broadcaster CCTV says the stealth drone struck its target on a second pass through cloud, a claim with no date, no weapon named and no outside confirmation.
State broadcaster CCTV says the stealth drone struck its target on a second pass through cloud, a claim with no date, no weapon named and no outside confirmation.
China's GJ-11 stealth combat drone scored a hit in its first live-fire strike, state broadcaster CCTV claimed Monday, Nov. 9. The report gave viewers their first close-up of the drone's internal weapon bays, the South China Morning Post noted. It aired two days before the PLA Air Force's 77th anniversary on Nov. 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did China show?
State broadcaster CCTV aired new footage of the GJ-11 stealth combat drone on Nov. 9, including the first close-up of its internal weapon bays, according to the South China Morning Post.
Did the GJ-11 really hit a target?
CCTV says so. Operator Shi Xiaoran said cloud hid the target on the first run and that she scored a hit after circling once more. CCTV gave no date and named no weapon, and no outside source has confirmed the hit.
How many weapon bays does the GJ-11 have?
Two internal bays on the underside, between the main landing gear, per Janes and The Aviationist. CCTV said they can hold a variety of air-to-surface munitions.
What is the GJ-11 meant to do?
CCTV listed air strikes and suppression of enemy air defenses, and showed operators planning sorties alongside J-16 and J-20 fighters. It said the drones can scout air defenses, act as decoys, or launch guided munitions at a crewed aircraft's direction.
Is the GJ-11 in service?
The PLA Air Force announced in November 2025 that it had entered service, Janes wrote. The drone is also known as Xuanlong and, in Western coverage, Sharp Sword.
How does it compare with U.S. drone wingmen?
The Aviationist assessed that the GJ-11 appears to be a high-end, stealth-focused aircraft, possibly closer in class to Lockheed Martin's Vectis than to the affordability-focused FQ-42A and FQ-44A.
AI-generated summary, reviewed by an editor. More on our AI guidelines.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.