China’s Mysterious “GJ-X” Stealth Drone Takes Flight: Possible Unmanned Strategic Bomber Rivals US B-21 Raider

A new Chinese stealth flying-wing drone, believed to be a next-generation unmanned bomber, has been spotted flying for the first time, signaling a major leap in Beijing’s long-range strike capabilities.

The large stealth “cranked kite” aircraft, unofficially dubbed the GJ-X, appeared in a video circulating on Chinese social media since October 19, 2025, sparking intense interest among global military observers.

According to a detailed analysis by The War Zone, the drone matches the design of an aircraft previously captured in satellite imagery in August at China’s Malan Airbase in East Turkistan, renamed as Xinjiang after Chinese occupation in 1950. The base has long been associated with advanced aircraft testing by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

What are the drone’s specifications?

Analysts estimate the drone’s wingspan at around 42 meters (138 feet, comparable in size to the US Air Force’s Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, a state-of-the-art stealth strategic bomber currently under development.

This size places the GJ-X in an exceptionally rare category of stealthy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The B-21 Raider, which shares similar dimensions, is designed for both conventional and nuclear missions and is set to become the cornerstone of America’s next-generation bomber fleet.

The Chinese prototype’s comparable wingspan suggests that Beijing may be pursuing an unmanned stealth bomber capable of deep-penetration missions far beyond its borders.

What would the drone be used for?

The drone’s purpose remains uncertain. Some experts suggest it could be a large unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) focused on kinetic operations, while others believe it is a medium-range strategic bomber with autonomous strike capabilities.

Chinese military commentator Chen Xi, speaking on Shenzhen TV, claimed the aircraft seen at Malan was “a medium-range strategic bomber,” noting its resemblance in scale to the B-21.

“The next-generation H-20 bomber hasn’t been released yet, but now we have a strategic-level bomber the same size as the B-21,” Chen said, referring to China’s long-awaited H-20 stealth bomber, whose debut has been delayed despite official statements promising an unveiling “soon.”

The War Zone report also noted key design features, including split rudders similar to those of the American B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, and a small off-centre hump above the tail, suggesting a twin-engine configuration—a design optimised for range and power.

Why is this drone sighting significant?

The GJ-X’s appearance comes amid a broader Chinese push to expand its unmanned aerial fleet. The drone’s shape closely resembles that of the CH-7 (Caihong-7) stealth drone showcased at the Zhuhai Air Show in 2024, which has a wingspan of 27.3 meters and serves as a high-speed reconnaissance platform.

In September, China also unveiled seven new combat drones during a major military parade in Beijing. According to the defense journal Modern Ships, the display included reconnaissance-strike drones, unmanned wingmen, air-superiority UAVs, and a carrier-based unmanned helicopter, indicating an effort to develop a fully integrated unmanned combat ecosystem.

Analysts believe the GJ-X may represent the cutting edge of this initiative, a strategic-level, long-range stealth drone capable of autonomous coordination and precision strikes.

If confirmed, it could significantly narrow the technological gap between China and the United States in next-generation stealth and unmanned warfare.