A new video circulating on Chinese social media shows a military drone without a tail flying alongside a Y-8 or Y-9 turboprop transport aircraft, indicating advancements in China’s development of “loyal wingman” drones designed to operate in tandem with manned aircraft.
The drone, featuring a diamond-shaped delta wing and about 15 meters in length, stands out for its size, which surpasses similar known models, suggesting new tactical capabilities.
The project appears to align with the efforts of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to modernize its air force with autonomous, network-integrated aerial vehicles. In addition to the GJ-11, China has also presented models like the FH-97A, capable of commanding swarms of smaller drones and operating with greater autonomy.
The use of transport aircraft as a support platform indicates that tests are being conducted focusing on remote control, observation, and potential group combat simulations.
The images refer to recent movements at a military facility near Beijing, where several vehicles and drones have been spotted, possibly preparing for a military parade rehearsal.
The Chinese government has been ramping up investments in artificial intelligence and advocates for the mass and coordinated use of drones as a central element in future conflicts, signaling a doctrinal shift in how wars will be fought.
Source: South China Morning Post | Photo: X @Uncensorednewsw | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
🇨🇳🛩#China’s TAILLESS STEALTH DRONE stuns with seamless formation debut
A newly surfaced video online shows a tailless Chinese drone flying in tight formation with a Y-8/9 turboprop – offering a rare glimpse into China’s accelerating push toward AI-driven air combat, SCMP reports… pic.twitter.com/FNS6wXkWpG— Uncensored News (@Uncensorednewsw) July 23, 2025
