In a significant demonstration of integrated air operations, China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has unveiled the first public footage of its GJ-11 stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) flying in formation with the J-20 fighter jet. The clip, shared on November 11, 2025, also features the GJ-11 alongside J-16 aircraft, underscoring advancements in China’s drone-fighter synergy.
Event Overview
The PLAAF released the video clip on November 11, 2025, capturing the GJ-11 UCAV in flight formation with the J-20 fighter jet. This marked the inaugural public showcase of this capability, demonstrating the operational compatibility of the GJ-11 with manned stealth fighters like the J-20 during a coordinated flight exercise. The same formation flight also involved J-16 aircraft, emphasizing the multi-platform nature of the exercise. The PLAAF marked this event as a milestone in stealth drone integration, celebrating the advancements in China’s drone-fighter synergy.
GJ-11 UCAV Specifications
The GJ-11 is a stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle designed for precision strikes and reconnaissance in contested airspace. Its first public flight demonstration alongside manned fighters took place on November 11, 2025. The clip showcased verified features of the GJ-11, such as its low-observable design and autonomous flight modes, highlighting its operational compatibility with manned stealth fighters.
J-20 Fighter Integration
The J-20, China’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, led the formation with the GJ-11 UCAV. The tactical pairing in the first public display on November 11, 2025, illustrated the command-and-control linkages between the two aircraft. The J-16’s supporting role in the exercise showcased the broader PLAAF multi-role fleet coordination, indicating the potential for scalable operations across stealth and conventional assets.
Technological Advancements Displayed
The stealth characteristics of the GJ-11 were evident in the footage, including radar-evading shapes during flight with the J-20. The clip also demonstrated real-time data sharing and formation flying mechanics between the GJ-11 and J-20. The GJ-11’s weapon bays and sensor suite integration were validated through the November 11, 2025, demonstration, further underscoring the technological advancements of the UCAV.
Strategic Implications for PLAAF
The debut flight of the GJ-11 with the J-20 enhances the PLAAF’s networked warfare doctrine. The extension to J-16 platforms indicates scalable operations across stealth and conventional assets, demonstrating the operational maturity of unmanned systems. The public release on November 11, 2025, serves as a signal of China’s advancements in this field.
Global Reactions and Context
Initial international observations of the GJ-11-J-20 pairing in the first public clip have been focused on aerospace analysts’ notes. The event is compared to prior PLAAF drone developments, tying back to the celebratory announcement. The timing of the November 11, 2025, display is also noteworthy, given the ongoing regional air power dynamics.
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