China has begun test operations of its latest stealth drones, the GJ-11 Sharp Sword, revealed the website The War Zone.
TWZ published satellite images of Chinese airspace, found in the online archive of Planet Labs, dating from August 5 to September 6.
According to the outlet, the drones were seen at the Shigatse Air Base, also known as Shigatse Peace Airport, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
This activity is consistent with operational testing and may indicate that the GJ-11, which has been in production for about 10 years, is reaching its initial operational capability.
Although the Shigatse Air Base is located in a remote area, it holds a strategic position on the southwestern flank of China, near the border with the Indian state of Sikkim.
Flights from Shigatse will allow testing and development of tactics and procedures for operational use and will help define the role of the drones in combat formations.
While not much is known about the new platform, it is believed that the Sharp Sword is intended for strike and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, with potential roles in aerial combat.
Photo: The War Zone. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
