Has China’s GJ-21 stealth attack drone joined sea trials for Type 076 Sichuan?

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Alcott WeiFebruary 4, 2026 at 03:00 AM

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Photographs circulating on Chinese social media purportedly show China's Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, leaving its home port in Shanghai. The photos, of unknown date and location, show a covered aircraft on deck, speculated to be the GJ-21 stealth attack drone. The Sichuan, China's first Type 076 vessel, is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system similar to that on the Fujian aircraft carrier. This system allows for faster and more frequent aircraft launches with increased fuel and ammunition capacity. The presence of the covered aircraft suggests the Sichuan may have entered the large drone testing phase of its sea trials, potentially marking progress towards its commissioning and future role in areas like the Taiwan Strait.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Shanghai 40% Fujian 40% Taiwan Strait 60% Chinese Navy 60% GJ-21 70% Sichuan ×470% Type 076 ×580% China ×590%

Keywords

stealth attack drone 100% type 076 90% amphibious assault ship 80% sea trials 70% chinese navy 60% electromagnetic catapult system 50% taiwan strait 50% gj-21 40%