The successful maiden flight of China's first shipborne stealth reconnaissance-strike integrated drone, the GJ-21, marks an important achievement in the Chinese army's development, according to a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense speaking in Beijing on Friday.
Spokesman Chen Xi made the remarks at a press conference in response to media questions regarding the drone's first takeoff and landing operation aboard the Sichuan, China's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, and whether the development will expand the Chinese Navy's far-sea operational capabilities and change the balance of maritime forces in the Western Pacific.
Chen stated that the GJ-21 stealth drone's successful first takeoff and landing on the Sichuan warship marks an important achievement of the Chinese army in building new-domain, new-quality combat capabilities. He noted that guidance of battle requirements has been followed while keeping pace with world military technological development and accelerating weapons and equipment modernization to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
Chen also emphasized that China remains committed to peaceful development, consistently upholds a defensive national defense policy, and remains a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world.
