China has unveiled a new aerial strike formation featuring its J-20 stealth fighter, GJ-11 stealth drone, and J-16D electronic warfare aircraft. Revealed in a microfilm, the deadly triad showcases Beijing’s growing capability to penetrate enemy defences through stealth, jamming, and precision strikes.
Lastest drone showcased in Chinese PLA Air Force's microfilm
— China Military Bugle (@ChinaMilBugle) November 11, 2025
To mark the 76th founding anniversary, the Chinese #PLA #AirForce released a microfilm titled "Far-Reaching Dreams" on Tuesday.
The microfilm released footage of a #GJ11 stealth #drone teaming up with a #J20 stealth… pic.twitter.com/WpFZLYygOc
Titled 'Far-Reaching Dreams', the microfilm released to mark the 76th founding anniversary of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force of China, showed a deadly aerial teaming up of a J-20 stealth fighter jet, a GJ-11 stealth drone and J-16D electronic warfare (EW) aircraft, which, according to experts, would be a perfect combination for penetrating enemy defence lines.
GJ-11 is a low-observable, flying-wing UCAV (unmanned combat aerial vehicle) designed and built for precision strike, electronic warfare, and high-value reconnaissance missions, while J-16D is a specialised EW variant of the J-16 aircraft used for SEAD (suppression of enemy air defences) and anti-radar roles.
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These can form a coordinated triad in China's advanced SEAD strategy, as they integrate stealth, electronic attack, and autonomous strike capabilities, offering a multi-layered, networked approach to SEAD.
The microfilm showed a GJ-11 taking off from the hangar, and making an aerial formation with the stealth fighter jet and electronic warfare aircraft.
According to Chinese military affairs expert Song Zhongping, this is a deadly combination as the J-16D EW aircraft can jam and paralyse the radar systems of the enemy while the drone and fighter jet can break through the defence lines of the enemy and destroy major targets.
The GJ-11 drone would be able to reach high-risk areas where the stealth aircraft cannot.
Global Times quoted another expert as saying that this combination could also be used for other tactics. According to him, the GJ-11 drone can be used for reconnaissance before the J-20 and J-16D are brought in. Besides, it could also act as a wingman drone, offering cover for the manned aircraft.
