China has achieved a major milestone in naval warfare, with its GJ-21 stealth combat drone completing its first electromagnetic catapult launch and arrested landing at sea. The tests took place aboard the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan during its late-October sea trials. The development marks a significant step in Beijing's efforts to integrate stealth unmanned aircraft into naval operations. Derived from the GJ-11 Sharp Sword, the GJ-21 is designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, precision strikes and suppressing enemy air defences. Could China's new naval drone change the military balance across the Taiwan Strait and challenge Taiwan's defences?
E-Paper
