Watch: China Test-Flies ‘Bat Drone’, Deadlier Than U.S. F-35, GJ-11 Is Set To Rule The Skies | World News
Beijing: China surprised the world by flying its “Mysterious Dragon” GJ-11 through the skies. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has released the first true air-to-air images of this stealth Uncrewed Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV).
Experts say this is one of the most dangerous drone systems ever. GJ-11, also called the “Fantasy Dragon”, is now considered China’s new air combat weapon. The stealth drone can breach enemy borders, conduct reconnaissance and perform electronic warfare missions with pinpoint accuracy.
In the video, the “Mysterious Dragon” soars alongside China’s J-20 stealth fighter jet and J-16D electronic attack jet. This is a clear sign that Beijing is moving towards an unmanned stealth fleet.
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GJ-11’s flight is not just a spectacle, but a warning that the dragon has awakened in the skies and will decide who will survive and who will perish in future battles. The stealth drone resembles a bat in appearance and is thought to be more lethal than the world’s most powerful American F-35 fighter jet.
China is focusing on drones that operate alongside manned platforms, operating collaboratively and possibly performing missions with high autonomy.
A two-seat J-20 could serve as an ideal drone controller. Some experts interpret these images as confirmation that the GJ-11 is now in operational service with the PLAAF.
However, this video alone is not sufficient to confirm full induction. This is a sign that an important milestone is rapidly approaching, even if it has not yet been achieved.
Last month, The War Zone reported satellite images showing three GJ-11 drones at Shigatse Air Base in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. They were stationed there from 6 August to 5 September. The presence of UCAVs in this highly active and dual-use military-civilian airspace indicated that operational tests were being carried out, although not in full service.
Strategically, this base is close to China’s southwestern border, close to the border areas where conflicts with India are taking place.
GJ-11 Made Its First Flight in 2013
A prototype of the GJ-11 first flew in 2013 with limited secrecy. It has since undergone significant design improvements. In 2019, Beijing showcased a new model during a parade. The latest design reduces visibility, features a completely redesigned rear end and includes a concealed exhaust system.
Before appearing in Shigatse and in the PLAAF video, the drone was mostly seen at various test centers, including the huge secret base at Malan in Xinjiang Province. For more than a year UCAV prototypes flew regularly from there. The drone has also been spotted at parades and Chinese naval testing and training centres.
Excerpt from a CCTV-7 interview about possible collaboration with a J-20 pair and others #drones GJ-11 has low observability.
Representation is confirmatory. pic.twitter.com/9Xy8Q8KQOO— Eastern Pendulum (@HenriKenhmann) 12 October 2022
Getting Ready in America
China clearly plans to operate this drone, or a version of it, from aircraft carriers and large-deck attack ships. Various unofficial names have emerged, including GJ-11H, GJ-11J, and GJ-21.
Whatever role the PLA chooses, the GJ-11 demonstrates China’s commitment to developing flying wing unmanned aerial vehicles, an area that requires heavy investment. The United States has largely avoided such designs, although there is little public evidence of similar programs. Much is unknown about America’s “lost” UAV projects.
