China’s Secret Stealth Drone Takes Flight, Rivals America’s B-21 Bomber, Tensions With US Escalate Further

International News: A dramatic video surfaced on Chinese social media showing a massive stealth flying wing drone, unofficially dubbed GJ-X, taking flight. The footage, widely shared since October 19, is believed to mark China’s first public demonstration of a next-generation bomber design. Analysts say the drone’s shape and size place it in a rare category of unmanned combat aircraft. Its appearance highlights Beijing’s rapid military advances, adding to global speculation about China’s growing ambitions in strategic air power.

Link to Malan airbase imagery

Reports suggest this same aircraft was spotted earlier this year at Malan Airbase in Xinjiang, based on satellite imagery released in August. Defense websites noted its wingspan at roughly 42 meters—about 138 feet—making it nearly identical in size to America’s upcoming B-21 Raider bomber. That scale places the drone far beyond typical unmanned systems and into the realm of strategic bombers. The new reveal confirms suspicions that China has been quietly developing a stealth bomber-like drone for years.

Comparing with US B-21 Raider

The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, expected to form the backbone of America’s future bomber fleet, has a similar wingspan of 40–42 meters. Capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads, the B-21 is still in development. Now, with China’s GJ-X drone making its debut, Washington faces a potential rival in the skies. Although the drone’s exact capabilities remain unclear, its sheer size suggests Beijing’s intention to match US advancements in stealth aviation and long-range strike power.

Unclear mission and purpose

Military experts remain divided on the purpose of the GJ-X. Some believe it is a massive unmanned combat air vehicle designed for kinetic strike operations. Others argue it may be an unmanned stealth bomber, capable of delivering heavy payloads deep into enemy territory. For now, Chinese officials have not released any official statement, leaving speculation open. The mystery has only fueled Western concerns about what role this new aircraft could play in the balance of global military power.

Past hints of H-20 program

China has long teased the development of the H-20, a new long-range stealth bomber. In 2016, Beijing confirmed the project, and in 2022 a Chinese Air Force commander hinted at its impending debut. However, US defense assessments suggest the H-20 may not enter service until the 2030s. The sudden appearance of the GJ-X raises the possibility that China is fielding an interim platform—something between a drone and a strategic bomber—until the H-20 is ready.

Growing US-China rivalry

This reveal comes at a time of high military tension between Washington and Beijing. The United States has already deployed stealth platforms like the B-2 Spirit and is building the B-21. China’s apparent progress shows it is unwilling to let the US dominate air warfare technology. The sight of such a large stealth drone in flight sends a direct message to Washington: Beijing is catching up in areas once seen as exclusively American domains.

Strategic implications ahead

The GJ-X drone may not yet be fully operational, but its flight has already shifted defense calculations. If it enters service, it could give China new long-range strike capabilities without risking pilots. That prospect raises alarm in the Pentagon and among US allies in Asia. With nuclear-capable bombers already central to military deterrence strategies, the arrival of a Chinese stealth drone only adds to global uncertainty. The world now waits to see how Washington will respond to Beijing’s bold new move.