China’s GJ-21 large stealth attack drone has been spotted conducting apparent flight tests in northeastern China this month, according to SCMP, as the country’s first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, moves into its final sea trials. The drone is designed to operate from the ship, linking the aircraft’s testing with preparations for the vessel’s deployment.
The GJ-21 is the naval version of China’s GJ-11 stealth attack drone. It first appeared publicly at China’s Victory Day parade in September last year and has made only limited appearances since then.
GJ-21 spotted flying over Liaoning
A Chinese social media post published on Thursday showed the GJ-21 flying over a highway service area in Huludao, a city in Liaoning province in northeastern China, SCMP reported.
Another post, dated August 19, showed the same drone flying over the service centre from another direction. SCMP said it had geolocated both videos and that they appeared to show GJ-21 flight tests, although the exact dates on which the tests occurred were unclear.
