An operational GJ-11 was shown for the first time flying with a J-20 and J-16D for the PLAAF’s 76th-anniversary.
An operational GJ-11 was shown for the first time in the PLAAF’s (People’s Liberation Army Air Force) 76th-anniversary microfilm titled “Far-Reaching Dreams”, in which it was seen collaborating with a J-20 and J-16D. The GJ-11 UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) has already been shown in graphics operating alongside the J-20, but these are the first images of the actual aircraft flying together.
Xuanlong 08 and Weilong 01
In the video, the GJ-11, with the callsign Xuanlong (lit. Mysterious Dragon) 08, is first seen being towed out of its hangar, followed by the takeoff. The clip quickly cuts to a J-16 pilot before returning to the GJ-11, now flying in formation with a J-20 and J-16D.
In the accompanying audio, a ground or AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) controller is heard saying ‘Weilong (lit. Mighty Dragon) 01 [referring to the J-20], Xuanlong 08 has arrived at position 6’, followed by the J-20 pilot replying with ‘Weilong 01 received, cooperation with Xuanlong established.’
This is the first publicly released footage showing a J-20, particularly in its standard single-seat variant, operating alongside a CCA (Collaborative Combat Aircraft) like the GJ-11. While it has long been expected that twin-seat aircraft, such as the J-20S or the future J-36, would lead MUM-T operations, this video suggests that single-seat fifth-generation fighters, such as the J-20/A or the J-35A, are also capable of coordinating with unmanned assets – albeit the fact that the clip only shows formation flying rather than any complex MUM-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming) maneuvers.
PLAAF成立76周年記念動画内にて公開されたGJ-11 ステルスUCAV。
部隊運用機の公式メディアでの公開はこれが初ですが、実際には数年前から部隊運用中。
動画内で有人機との協調飛行中のGJ-11に与えられたコードは”玄龙”。
なおGJ-11は派生型として海軍向け艦載機型のGJ-21が存在。 https://t.co/3PZrrdBnSq pic.twitter.com/WBunfUg79x— お砂糖wsnbn (@sugar_wsnbn) November 11, 2025
On another note, it is unclear whether the GJ-11 was flying autonomously until the J-20 pilot ‘took over’ or it was being controlled from the ground. Interestingly, the J-20 carries stripes associated with aircraft that have participated in a large-scale parade such as that held on Sep. 3, 2025.
The USAF has also put significant effort into their MUM-T programs, simultaneously funding General Atomics’ YFQ-42 and Anduril’s YFQ-44 to serve as loyal wingmen complementing the service’s fighters in a future conflict. Lockheed Martin’s Vectis and Shield AI’s X-BAT drones might in future join these first two types in future phases of the program.
The GJ-11
The GJ-11 ‘Sharp Sword’ is a stealthy UCAV (Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle) developed by the HAIG (Hongdu Aviation Industry Group), a subsidiary under AVIC (Aviation Industry Corporation of China). The highly secretive UCAV features a flying-wing configuration similar to that of Dassault’s nEUROn and Sukhoi’s S-70 Okhotnik-B, and was among the first Chinese aircraft to adopt this design.
Since its debut, however, several other Chinese UCAVs have also incorporated the flying-wing planform, reflecting a broader trend toward stealth-oriented unmanned designs. Its features, such as the internal weapons bays, RAM (Radar Absorbent Materials) and a shrouded exhaust to reduce infrared visibility, all point to a stealth-oriented design focused on strike and reconnaissance missions in contested environments.
Although the type had its maiden flight in 2013, its existence was not publicly acknowledged until six years later, in the 2019 National Day Parade held in Beijing. A mockup of the type was also present at this year’s Sept. 3 parade, which commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII.
Specific details about the UCAV’s specifications remain scarce, and, while today marks the first time footage of an operational GJ-11 has been made public, the type is understood to have been operational for several years.
A shipborne variant, dubbed the GJ-21, is also undergoing testing and is anticipated to be operated from PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy) vessels such as the Type 076, whose first sea trials are expected to begin by early 2026.
