Gongji-21 Stealth Drone Operates from Amphibious Assault Ship Sichuan

China News Service reported that in late October, the military's first shipborne reconnaissance-strike integrated stealth unmanned aerial vehicle, Gongji-21, conducted its maiden successful takeoff and landing aboard the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan. This event marks a breakthrough in domestic amphibious assault ship development and signifies that the People's Liberation Army Navy has gained the capability to operate fixed-wing stealth unmanned aerial vehicles from large maritime combat platforms. Military observer Wei Dongxu stated that operating the Gongji-21 from the aircraft carrier Fujian poses no technical barriers. Wei explained that this deployment points toward an operational pattern beyond conventional aircraft carrier complements, suggesting the unmanned aircraft could join the manned J-35 stealth carrier-based fighter in combined combat operations. Wei evaluated that the Gongji-21 could function as an advance vanguard to disrupt opposing air defense and early warning networks. In this cooperative framework, J-35 aircraft could provide cover, share tactical data, and issue direct combat instructions to the unmanned aerial vehicle. Wei also outlined another operational approach where pilots flying either J-15T or J-35 aircraft could issue commands directly to the Gongji-21. Under this mechanism, the stealth unmanned aircraft could penetrate deep areas alone to conduct direct strikes against high-value targets.

According to Wei Dongxu, personnel on the Sichuan could use satellite communications to direct the Gongji-21 into distant areas for reconnaissance and strikes, clearing a safer corridor for carrier-based aviation forces.