China Achieves First Drone Takeoff And Landing Aboard An Amphibious Assault Ship

China tested strike and reconnaissance unmanned aircraft, the GJ-21, which was launched from an amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan.

This is the first time that a drone took flight from a carrier at sea, making the achievement a historic milestone for Beijing. The trial showcased the Chinese navy’s abilities to operate fixed-wing stealth drones from massive platforms at sea.

Xinhua, China’s state-owned news agency called it a breakthrough in its amphibious assault ship programme, while emphasising on the increasing role of drones and unmanned systems in its naval operations.

China has over the decade invested millions of dollars in developing AI and autonomous systems and integrating them in frigates, destroyers and other vessels of the fleet. This demonstration involving the carrier-launched drone was part of the same military effort.

The GJ-21 was first displayed at a parade in Beijing in 2025 celebrating the end of WWII. During the event, the unmanned aircraft carried different types of weapons.

The drone reportedly has sufficient combat radius and a small airframe compared to J-35 and J-20 stealth fighter planes. Its main feature is the low manufacturing cost and its reusability which makes it a vital weapon during sustained military operations.

Not only this, the drone can release glide-guided bombs, offering greater fire delivery efficiency with better cost control. The Sichuan is the lead ship of the Type 076 amphibious assault ship class and was launched in December 2024.

The warship is fitted with electromagnetic catapult and arresting systems which allows it to operate drones and helicopters both. It has a displacement of more than 40,000 tonnes when loaded fully and an expansive flight deck with a twin-island superstructure.

Chinese media said that the warship had conducted sea trials this month, though the location was not disclosed. The navy had also announced earlier that the amphibious assault ship had sailed into the South China Sea for scientific testing and training.