China's GJ-X Stealth Drone Spotted in Flight, Rivaling US B-21 Raider in Size
- MM24 News Desk
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Chinese aerospace specialists have potentially unveiled a new strategic-level unmanned aircraft, with a large stealth flying-wing drone spotted conducting flight tests. This GJ-X drone, with an estimated wingspan of 42 meters, places it in the same rare size category as America’s next-generation B-21 Raider bomber, according to analysis of social media video and satellite imagery reported by The War Zone.
A new, formidable shape has pierced the skies over China, signaling a significant leap in the nation's advanced aviation capabilities. Video evidence that began circulating on Chinese social media in October appears to show the first flight of a large, stealthy flying-wing drone, a design long associated with next-generation bombers. This sighting provides the clearest indication yet that China is testing a very large, uncrewed aircraft that could fundamentally alter its long-range strike potential.
The drone, unofficially designated the GJ-X, matches the description of an aircraft previously observed in August at the Malan airbase in China’s Xinjiang region. Analysis of that satellite imagery, detailed in a report by The War Zone, estimated the aircraft's wingspan to be approximately 42 meters (138 feet). This measurement is critical, as it places the Chinese drone in an exclusive club of massive stealth aircraft, making it a direct peer in size to the United States' highly advanced Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider stealth bomber.
Why does size matter so much in this context? A wingspan of this magnitude is typically reserved for aircraft designed for long-range, strategic missions, capable of carrying substantial payloads deep into contested airspace. The purpose of this new Chinese drone remains officially unconfirmed, sparking intense debate among military observers. Some analysts argue it is a large Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) focused on kinetic strikes, while others, like Chinese military commentator Chen Xi, have labeled it a "medium-range strategic bomber."
The design itself offers compelling clues. The aircraft features a "cranked kite" flying-wing design, which prioritizes low observability (stealth) and aerodynamic efficiency. The War Zone report noted it possesses "split rudders" akin to those on the American B-2 Spirit bomber and a distinct twin-engine configuration, suggested by a small, off-center hump. This observed design philosophy points toward a vehicle built for penetrating sophisticated air defense systems, a role currently dominated by crewed stealth aircraft.
This development exists within a broader context of China's rapid advancement in unmanned systems. The sighting comes just weeks after China showcased a diverse array of seven new drones during a major military parade in Beijing. According to an analysis by the magazine Modern Ships, these were not just simple reconnaissance drones. The parade included everything from reconnaissance-strike drones to "unmanned wingmen" designed to fly alongside crewed fighters and even "unmanned air superiority fighters," indicating a comprehensive strategy to integrate AI and robotics into all facets of aerial warfare.
The GJ-X's design bears a clear familial resemblance to the CH-7 (Caihong-7) drone displayed at the Zhuhai air show, but it is substantially larger. While the CH-7 has a 27.3-meter wingspan and is geared for high-speed reconnaissance, the scale of the GJ-X suggests a much more ambitious role. This progression shows China is not just copying concepts but rapidly scaling and adapting them for more complex, strategic tasks.
With the long-anticipated H-20 stealth bomber still under development, the appearance of the GJ-X raises intriguing questions about the People's Liberation Army Air Force's future composition. Could this large drone serve as a complementary force to the H-20, or even assume some of its roles? The emergence of this aircraft underscores a global shift towards autonomous systems capable of performing the most dangerous missions, potentially redefining what it means to project power from the air.
Comments