China has been conducting flight tests of its GJ-21 large stealth attack drone as the country’s first Type 076 amphibious assault ship enters its final sea trials, indicating progress in its naval aviation capabilities. The GJ-21 is the naval adaptation of the GJ-11 stealth drone and is expected to be launched from the Type 076 vessel, also known as the Sichuan.
The GJ-21, which was first publicly unveiled during China’s Victory Day parade in September last year, has made only occasional appearances since. Recent social media posts have shown the drone flying over a highway service area in Huludao, Liaoning province, with multiple videos appearing to depict flight tests, though the exact dates of these flights have not been confirmed. Additional footage released in July by China Central Television (CCTV) provided computer-generated representations of the drone launching from the Sichuan.
The Type 076 Sichuan, a 40,000-tonne amphibious assault ship, is considered China’s most advanced vessel of its kind and is described as the world’s first drone carrier. CCTV reports have indicated that the ship is in its final testing phase, with delivery to the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) expected by the end of this year. The ship has been shown in various footage featuring deck-line markings, decoy deployments, and the launch of a red test vehicle using its electromagnetic aircraft-launch system. The Sichuan is distinctive in being the only amphibious assault ship globally equipped with an electromagnetic catapult, enabling it to launch crewed and uncrewed fixed-wing aircraft, including the GJ-21 drone, in addition to helicopters.
Recent satellite imagery, shared by analyst M.T. Anderson, appears to show the Sichuan alongside two Type 052 destroyers and three Type 054 frigates near the Qingdao naval base, the headquarters of the PLAN’s Northern Theatre Command. The Liaoning aircraft carrier was also visible docked nearby. It remains unclear whether this assembly of vessels is connected to ongoing trials involving the new amphibious assault ship.
The Sichuan is designed to support amphibious operations by transporting landing craft, troops, armored vehicles, and aircraft, making it a significant asset for China’s military posture in the region. The development of this platform and its drone complement reflects Beijing’s focus on advancing its capabilities, particularly amid heightened tensions over Taiwan. China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and has not dismissed the use of force to achieve reunification. Since the escalation of cross-strait tensions approximately four years ago, China has increased both military and political pressure on the island.
Most countries, including the United States—which remains Taiwan’s principal international supporter—do not recognize Taiwan as an independent state. Nonetheless, Washington opposes any attempt to seize Taiwan by force and continues to provide the island with defensive weapons. The Type 076 and the GJ-21 drone could enhance China’s capacity to project power in the event of conflict, adding complexity to the already tense situation in the Taiwan Strait.