The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force has for the first time publicly shown its GJ-11 stealth drone flying in a coordinated formation with a J-20 stealth fighter and a J-16D electronic warfare aircraft. The reveal, part of a microfilm released for the force’s 76th founding anniversary, showcases a potent combination experts say is designed to shred through enemy air defenses.
The microfilm, titled “Far-Reaching Dreams” and released on November 11, 2025, provides the clearest look yet at the PLA Air Force’s advancing concept of “manned-unmanned teaming.”
The footage depicts the flying wing-shaped GJ-11—referred to by its nickname “Xuanlong”—taxiing, taking off, and then seamlessly integrating into a formation with the “Weilong” J-20 and the specialized J-16D. This is not just for show; it’s a statement of evolving capability, reported the Global Times.
Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that this trio represents a “perfect” combination for modern warfare. He explained the devastating synergy: the J-16D electronic warfare aircraft leads the charge by jamming and paralyzing hostile radar systems.
This electronic blanket allows the stealthy J-20 fighter jet and the GJ-11 drone to slip through the now-blinded air defense network and strike critical targets. The unmanned GJ-11 acts as a force multiplier, capable of penetrating deeper into high-risk zones where commanders might be reluctant to send a manned aircraft.
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But the tactics don’t end there. Wang Ya’nan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, outlined other potential strategies to the Global Times. The GJ-11 could fly ahead of the manned aircraft as an armed scout, identifying threats and painting targets. Alternatively, it could operate as a loyal wingman, providing cover and additional firepower for the J-20 in a dogfight. The fact that this footage appears to be from a training exercise indicates that these concepts are moving from the drawing board into active exploration and development.
This public debut signals a significant milestone in the maturity of China’s drone program. The GJ-11 was first unveiled to the public back in 2019, but its integration with frontline combat aircraft in a coordinated formation demonstrates a leap in operational capability. The PLA Air Force is not just developing advanced hardware; it is meticulously crafting the new tactics and doctrines needed to wield it effectively. This manned-unmanned teaming capability, noted by CCTV, is a cornerstone of next-generation air power.
The microfilm also offered other glimpses into the rapidly modernizing force, including a scene of a J-20 launching an air-to-air missile. A separate CCTV report detailed a new, sophisticated training system that networks real equipment with simulators and AI-powered “digital forces” that continuously learn from human pilots, creating an incredibly challenging and dynamic training environment.
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According to Song Zhongping, these advancements, built on progress in aviation, electronics, and materials, provide a “firm bedrock” for China’s defense and regional stability. The message is clear: the PLA Air Force is rapidly assembling the tools and tactics for the future of aerial warfare.
