China’s military capabilities are advanced by integrating stealth combat drones with fighter jets, a move that could transform modern warfare. These without crew aerial vehicles (UCAVs) are designed to act as “loyal wingmen” to crewed aircraft, enhancing the country’s air operations. Military analysts see this as a “force multiplier,” meaning it can greatly boost combat effectiveness.
GJ-11 Drones on the Rise
Recent satellite images from Planet Labs reveal increased activity of China’s GJ-11 Sharp Sword UCAVs at Malan Air Base in western China. The base, a hub for drone testing, has seen a surge in drone operations. This has fueled comparisons with the United States’ ongoing efforts to develop next-generation fighter jets and air combat systems.
The US does not currently have a stealth drone similar to China’s GJ-11 in active development. This is surprising, considering the extensive work done by the US military in the past on autopilot combat systems.
Key Features of the GJ-11
The Hongdu Aviation Industry Group in China manufactures the GJ-11 drone, which is intended for airborne reconnaissance and precise strikes. It features a stealthy, tailless flying-wing design, with two internal weapons bays. The drone first appeared publicly in 2019 during a military parade, although its prototype dates back to 2013.
Georgios Salapasidis, an expert at Janes, a global military intelligence company, emphasized that the GJ-11 is crucial for China. It allows the country to operate effectively in contested areas where adversaries have advanced air defense systems. The GJ-11 can gather intelligence, guide strikes from other platforms, or carry out independent attacks.
GJ-11’s, MUM-T Operating System
There are growing signs that China plans to pair the GJ-11 with crewed fighter jets in a concept called MUM-T. This tactic allows human pilots to command drones in combat, making air operations more flexible and efficient.
Satellite images from June 2023 showed two GJ-11 drones near China’s new Type 076 amphibious assault ship, currently under construction in Shanghai. In October 2022, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV showcased a computer graphic showing the J-20 fighter jet commanding stealth drones like the GJ-11. This imagery highlights China’s intention to implement MUM-T in its air force and navy.
Global Drone Race Heats Up
MUM-T is not exclusive to China. The United States has also been exploring the concept as part of its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative. The US has been focusing on using AI-enabled drones to complement next-generation crewed fighter jets.
James Char, a researcher from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, compared China’s efforts to the US military’s “loyal wingman” project. This project aims to combine drones with crewed fighters for greater combat flexibility.
While China is upgrading its J-20 jets, it is also working on next-generation fighters that will operate alongside drones. In June 2023, China tested a new jet with detachable wings that could transform into drones. This innovation shows the extent of China’s ambitions in drone technology.
The Future of Air Warfare
China, the US, and other nations are investing heavily in the “loyal wingman” concept. The idea is to combine drones with crewed aircraft to create a large network of sensors and weapons. These systems would overwhelm enemy defenses by presenting too many targets for them to neutralize. Salapasidis noted that drones like the GJ-11 are “attritable,” meaning they can return to their base, but their low cost makes them easily replaceable if lost in combat.
According to Timothy Heath from the Rand Corporation, drones will play a significant role in future warfare due to their low cost and versatility. He believes that crewed or without crew collaboration will become a key trend in modern aerial combat.
As countries like China and the US continue to develop these technologies, the future of air combat will likely involve a combination of advanced fighters and drones working together for superior firepower.