A new Chinese stealth flying-wing drone, possibly a next-generation bomber, has been spotted flying for the first time.
A video of the large stealth “cranked kite” drone, unofficially dubbed the GJ-X, has circulated on Chinese social media since October 19.
It appeared to be the same aircraft – or one with a very similar design – captured in satellite imagery taken in August at China’s Malan airbase in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, according to a report by The War Zone earlier this week.
The Malan base aircraft’s wingspan was estimated to be around 42 metres (138 feet), placing it in a very rare category for stealthy uncrewed aircraft, as noted in a previous report by the military website.
This size puts it on par with the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, an American stealth strategic bomber with a wingspan of 40-42 metres. The B-21, currently in development, is expected to be capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear payloads and will form the backbone of the future US bomber force alongside the B-52.
The purpose of the new Chinese drone remains unclear. Some military observers said it was a very large unmanned combat air vehicle focused on kinetic operations, while others said it was an unmanned stealth bomber, according to the report.
