China Achieves First Drone Takeoff And Landing Aboard An Amphibious Assault Ship

China tested strike and reconnaissance unmanned aircraft, the GJ-21, which was launched from an amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan.

This is the first time that a drone took flight from a carrier at sea, making the achievement a historic milestone for Beijing. The trial showcased the Chinese navy’s abilities to operate fixed-wing stealth drones from massive platforms at sea.

Xinhua, China’s state-owned news agency called it a breakthrough in its amphibious assault ship programme, while emphasising on the increasing role of drones and unmanned systems in its naval operations.

China has over the decade invested millions of dollars in developing AI and autonomous systems and integrating them in frigates, destroyers and other vessels of the fleet. This demonstration involving the carrier-launched drone was part of the same military effort.

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