GJ-11 Sharp Sword represents a major advancement in China’s military aviation technology. First unveiled during the 2019 National Day Parade in Beijing, the unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) captured global attention.
Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), it highlights China’s ambition to strengthen its military capabilities and close the technological gap with leading military powers.
As part of China’s broader military modernization strategy, the GJ-11 Sharp Sword is a drone that reflects a growing focus on stealth, autonomous operation, and strike capabilities.
Technical Specifications and Design
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 12.2 m (40 ft 0 in) |
| Wingspan | 14.4 m (47 ft 3 in) |
| Height | 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in) |
| Empty weight | 6,350 kg (13,999 lb) |
| Max takeoff weight | 20,215 kg (44,566 lb) |
| Powerplant | 1 × Unknown type turbofan |
| Cruising speed | 1,000 km/h (621 mph; 540 kn) |
| Range | 4,000 km (2,485 mi; 2,160 nmi) |
| Service ceiling | 12,500 m (41,010 ft) |
Advanced engineering and technological innovation define the GJ-11 Sharp Sword. Built as part of China’s military modernization efforts, it integrates state-of-the-art stealth features, autonomous capabilities, and precision strike potential.
Engineers designed it to operate effectively in high-threat environments, with a focus on survivability and operational flexibility.
Cutting-edge materials and advanced avionics make it one of the most sophisticated unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) in the world. Its combination of stealth, advanced weaponry, and autonomous flight places it among the most capable platforms in modern military aviation.
Stealth and Airframe Design
Minimizing radar cross-section (RCS) remains a critical objective for modern unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), and the GJ-11 excels in this area. Engineers have implemented a flying wing configuration to significantly reduce radar visibility.
The design choice enhances survivability by making the aircraft harder to detect and track by enemy radar systems.
- Advanced composite materials – Constructed using lightweight, radar-absorbent materials that deflect or absorb radar signals.
- Radar-absorbent coatings – Additional coatings further reduce radar signature by absorbing electromagnetic waves rather than reflecting them.
- Concealed exhaust system – Reduces infrared signature, making the aircraft harder to target with heat-seeking missiles.
- Internal weapons bay – Preserves stealth profile by preventing external weapons from creating radar reflections.
Flying wing designs inherently offer advantages in minimizing drag and increasing stability. The GJ-11’s design provides both aerodynamic efficiency and enhanced operational longevity.
Weapons and Payload
Weapon systems define a UCAV’s tactical value, and the GJ-11 is equipped to deliver precision strikes on high-value targets.
Internal weapons bays preserve stealth characteristics by keeping munitions hidden during flight. This internal storage reduces the risk of detection by radar systems.
- Smart bombs – Laser- and GPS-guided munitions for high-precision strikes.
- Cruise missiles – Long-range strike capability with low detectability.
- Anti-radar weapons – Designed to suppress enemy radar systems and electronic warfare installations.
- Modular payload configuration – Flexibility to adapt weapon loadouts based on mission requirements.
Precision targeting and strike capability give the GJ-11 the versatility to engage both tactical and strategic targets. Payload flexibility ensures that it can be adapted for both offensive and defensive operations.
Autonomous Capabilities
First flight photo of the GJ-11 ‘Sharp Sword’ Drone from China 🇨🇳.
Cruise speed: 1,000 km/h
Range: 4,000 km
Service ceiling: 12,500 m
Wingspan: 14 m
Thx @jesusfroman. @ssysfakb ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/xWUKJycwDw pic.twitter.com/TZ4hhJpVvn— DefenseTrends (@DefenseTrends) January 18, 2021
Autonomous operation positions the GJ-11 as a major advancement in unmanned warfare. AI-driven systems provide real-time situational awareness, adaptive flight control, and independent mission execution.
- Electronically controlled flight surfaces for greater precision and stability.
- Onboard sensors and processors gather and analyze battlefield data, allowing for quick decision-making.
- AI systems identify and prioritize targets based on mission parameters.
- Aircraft can adjust course based on changing battlefield conditions without human input.
- Capability to operate in coordination with other unmanned platforms, increasing overall mission effectiveness.
The combination of AI-driven targeting, adaptive flight controls, and real-time decision-making enables the GJ-11 to operate effectively in contested environments.
Autonomous systems reduce pilot workload and increase mission success rates by reacting instantly to threats and opportunities on the battlefield.
Development and Background
China’s increasing investment in unmanned aerial technology reflects a strategic push to establish dominance in military aviation. The rise of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) has prompted China to accelerate development in stealth technology, autonomous operation, and high-precision strike capability.
Design similarities with the Northrop Grumman X-47B suggest that Chinese engineers have drawn insights from its flying wing configuration and stealth features.
The X-47B’s reduced radar cross-section (RCS) and aerodynamic efficiency provided a foundation for the GJ-11’s development, but Chinese engineers have introduced several enhancements to improve performance and combat survivability.
- Advanced stealth coatings – Radar-absorbent materials reduce radar reflection and improve battlefield stealth.
- Enhanced airframe structure – Composite materials increase strength while reducing weight.
- Concealed weapons bay – Internal storage minimizes radar signature during combat operations.
- Adaptive control surfaces – Fly-by-wire systems enable rapid adjustments to flight paths.
Strategic flexibility emerges as a core advantage of the GJ-11 project. Its operational design allows it to conduct reconnaissance, strike missions, and electronic warfare with minimal human input.
- Long-range penetration strikes – Capable of infiltrating enemy airspace with reduced detection.
- Electronic warfare – Equipped to suppress enemy radar and communication systems.
- High-altitude reconnaissance – Provides real-time intelligence and targeting data.
Recent Developments and Testing
Reports indicate that China has tested a naval variant of the GJ-11, known as the GJ-11J, designed for carrier-based operations. The adaptation reflects China’s broader strategy to expand naval capabilities and project power in contested maritime regions.
Adaptations for naval deployment involve significant modifications to the airframe and operational systems.
- Revised wing geometry – Optimized for stability and control during takeoff and landing.
- Strengthened landing gear – Built to withstand the stress of carrier landings.
- Maritime corrosion resistance – Coating enhancements protect against saltwater exposure.
Reports suggest that the Type 076 amphibious assault ships will serve as launch platforms for the GJ-11J. Carrier-based deployment enhances operational reach and increases tactical options in naval warfare scenarios.
The Chinese stealth drone GJ-11 Sharp Sword was spotted during a test flight. pic.twitter.com/dLIaIHGYpi
— Russian Market (@runews) August 23, 2024
Integration with advanced sensors and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems enhances targeting accuracy and situational awareness. These upgrades enable the GJ-11J to operate effectively in complex maritime environments, where rapid identification and engagement of threats is critical.
- Multi-spectral targeting systems – Enables detection of low-visibility targets.
- Passive infrared tracking – Identifies heat signatures without emitting signals.
- Radar-guided targeting – Increases accuracy for long-range strikes.
Summary
GJ-11 Sharp Sword reflects a significant step forward in China’s military evolution. Its combination of stealth, autonomous operation, and precision strike capability positions it as a game-changing asset in modern warfare.
Enhanced operational range and adaptability across different mission profiles increase its strategic value.
Future upgrades and deployment of naval variants could further strengthen China’s influence in regional and global military balance.
