China’s defense industry has once again stirred international attention with what appears to be the first clear footage of a massive stealth flying-wing drone, unofficially referred to as the GJ-X. This mysterious “cranked kite” aircraft first identified in satellite imagery near Malan Airbase in Xinjiang in September 2025.
When The War Zone (TWZ) initially broke the story, analysts estimated the drone’s wingspan at roughly 42 meters (137 feet), placing it in the same size category as some of the largest stealth unmanned aircraft in the world. While rumors circulated that it might exceed the B-21 Raider in scale, experts now consider that unlikely. Still, this drone’s size, stealth profile, and potential mission set make it one of the most intriguing military aviation developments of the year.
The newly surfaced short video clip showcases what seems to be the same aircraft possibly a prototype or a close variant flying in daylight. Its distinctive cranked kite design, with angular swept-back wings and subtle surface blending, immediately caught analysts’ eyes.
The video also reveals key aerodynamic details. The aircraft features split rudders on its outboard wing sections, a design cue commonly seen on stealth flying wings like the B-2 Spirit. Observers also noted a small off-center hump near the empennage likely the upper section of a recessed exhaust system suggesting a twin-engine configuration.
Perhaps the most fascinating detail from the footage is the aircraft’s underside coating. The bottom surface exhibits a counter-shaded, dark-toned paint pattern that mimics the outline of a more conventional fuselage and wings. Experts suggest this visual camouflage helps obscure the drone’s true shape and orientation when viewed from below, an old but effective technique in stealth design.
While it could also be a temporary finish or byproduct of the coating process, its deliberate layout suggests intentional deception, a way to confuse visual tracking or optical sensors.
The GJ-X’s design bears resemblance to earlier Western stealth experiments, particularly Northrop Grumman’s X-47B, a fighter-sized unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) tested by the U.S. Navy in the 2010s. That project even inspired a conceptual larger variant, the X-47C, which never materialized but hinted at a bomber-scale evolution.
Interestingly, conceptual renderings of the B-3 or Next Generation Bomber also showcased similar cranked kite configurations, underlining how China’s design could be both inspired by and advancing beyond Western experimental work.
The most debated question remains: What is the GJ-X built for? Analysts are divided. Some Chinese observers believe it’s a large UCAV intended for kinetic strike missions, possibly capable of carrying precision-guided munitions. Others argue it’s an unmanned stealth bomber, designed to deliver payloads deep into hostile airspace.
However, the most plausible theory based on its design and likely endurance is that it’s a high-altitude, long-endurance reconnaissance platform, akin to the U.S. Air Force’s RQ-180. Such an aircraft could gather intelligence, perform electronic surveillance, or even serve as a communications relay, all while remaining virtually invisible to radar.
Still, a multi-role configuration capable of switching between strike and surveillance missions would offer China exceptional flexibility. As of now, officials have not publicly confirmed the drone’s purpose, keeping speculation alive.
The GJ-X is just one component of a rapid and sweeping wave of Chinese stealth aircraft activity. Over the past year, several advanced designs have emerged, including the J-36 heavy stealth tactical jet and the J-XDS tailless fighter prototype. Alongside these, an array of unmanned systems ranging from small tactical drones to large long-range UCAVs have been spotted undergoing testing or public display.
“The speed at which China is now moving when it comes to advanced combat aircraft development is truly stunning,” The War Zone reported. “And this is just what we are allowed to see much more is underway in the shadows.”