Beyond the parade, what China’s new stealth drones mean for future air combat

Surprise debut of PLA’s uncrewed ‘loyal wingman’ is a leap in aerial stealth tech and a message to Washington

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A rear view of the “Type B” drone on display during Beijing’s Victory Day parade on Wednesday. The showcase has sparked renewed speculation about China’s aerial combat advances. Photo: CCTV

Alcott Weiin BeijingandAmber Wangin Beijing

Published: 10:00am, 5 Sep 2025Updated: 12:52pm, 5 Sep 2025

Among the many pieces of advanced military hardware showcased during Wednesday’s Victory Day parade in Beijing were at least four unnamed drones, at least one of which was a “loyal wingman”, a stealth attack drone supposedly capable of coordinated aerial warfare alongside crewed jets, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

The appearance left military observers to speculate about what they had seen, and raised many new questions. Some experts believe the advanced aircraft are capable of hypersonic cruising, improved stealth and elevated air combat power.

“[The] reconnaissance-strike integrated drones, unmanned wingplanes, uncrewed air combat aircraft, and shipborne uncrewed helicopters on display are capable of stealth strikes, wide-area coverage, and autonomous coordination, creating a new style of future air combat,” CCTV announced as the drone formation passed by.

The announcer did not specify the actual models or their abilities.

The only aircraft that could be identified was the GJ-11, which has been spotted airborne on several occasions.

A GJ-11 stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle is seen in Wednesday’s military parade. Photo: AP

Fu Qianshao, a military aviation expert, said the first GJ-11 drone in the series was unveiled at the 2019 military parade. It is mainly a strike-focused platform with a high degree of stealth.

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