China’s Silent Assassin: GJ-11 Drone Sets Eyes on 5th Gen Fighter Territory

GJ-11, a Drone Developed by China, Appears at the Expo
Seizing Air Superiority Alongside J-20

According to numerous local reports, the latest stealth unmanned reconnaissance aircraft developed by China is the GJ-11. The state-run media CCTV described the GJ-11 as a drone fighter equipped with high stealth, penetration, and precision strike capabilities.

In addition, it was explained that it could seize air superiority and perform deterrent air defense operations alongside the J-20 stealth fighter. This is the first time it has been officially announced through state media that the GJ-11 can seize air superiority.

Controlled from the Rear Seat of the J-20
GJ-11 Takes the Wingman Position

The GJ-11, first unveiled at the China Airshow in 2021, can fly up to 2,485 miles (4,000km) at 621mph (1,000km/h) and carry various precision-guided weapons. How the Chinese Air Force would operate was not specifically disclosed, but the pieces are starting to come together.

CCTV broadcast a computer graphic image of a drone, presumed to be the GJ-11, flying alongside the J-20 fighter. In addition, it was explained that the pilot sitting in the rear seat of the J-20 twin-seat model would control the wingman, which is also the first time this has been revealed.

“Does it Have Combat Capability?”

The reason why the Chinese Air Force emphasizes the cooperative mission of the J-20 and GJ-11 is interpreted as showcasing the manned-unmanned fighter complex system that will serve as a stepping stone for the 6th generation fighter. There are observations that the news that the U.S. military is actively pushing for the development of the next-generation fighter NGAD(Next Generation Air Dominance) and that the imminent deployment of the B-21 Raider bomber could make China anxious.