China’s newly announced Attack 21 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has officially been confirmed as a stealth carrier-based UAV. This milestone marks that China has not only realized a complete combat system on the Fujian aircraft carrier, but will also extend this capability to the soon-to-be-sea-tested Type 076 amphibious assault ship. Together, this combination enables the PLA Navy to deploy a world-class configuration of electromagnetic catapult carriers and stealth carrier-based UAVs, pioneering a new mode of naval warfare.
01 Attack 21: The World’s First Stealth Carrier-Based Combat UAV
The Attack 21 made its first public appearance during the 93rd National Day military parade. Compared with the previously known Attack 11, the Attack 21 is larger and features enhanced stealth characteristics. On September 27, CCTV officially confirmed in a program introducing new parade equipment that the UAV is intended for carrier operations.
CCTV’s confirmation also indicates that Attack 21 has entered production and active service. Combined with prior reports that the Fujian carrier successfully conducted full-fuel, full-weapon launch and recovery of three types of carrier aircraft (J-15T, J-35, and Zhi-20 helicopters), it is highly likely that the Attack 21 has also completed operational testing aboard Fujian.
As a successor to the Attack 11, the Attack 21 is expected to have a combat radius exceeding 2,000 kilometers, capable of long-range strike, electronic warfare, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance missions. With its stealth design and compatibility with electromagnetic catapults, it can penetrate complex enemy defenses and significantly enhance China’s maritime strike capabilities.
02 Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship: The World’s First “Electromagnetic Catapult UAV Carrier”
The Type 076 amphibious assault ship (Sichuan) has recently removed the construction scaffolding from its electromagnetic catapult system, signaling that sea trials are imminent.
With a displacement of 40,000 tons, the 076 not only performs conventional amphibious operations but also acts as a “mini aircraft carrier” due to its electromagnetic catapult.
Once equipped with the Attack 21, the 076 will become the world’s first amphibious ship capable of launching stealth carrier-based UAVs via electromagnetic catapult. This enables persistent long-range strikes, continuous maritime surveillance, and early warning operations. Such capabilities provide the PLA Navy with a flexible and rapid-deployment platform for South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and distant ocean operations.
03 Attack 21 Compared with U.S. Counterparts
- U.S. MQ-25: Mainly functions as an aerial refueling UAV; limited stealth and no strike capability.
- U.S. X-47B: Demonstrated strike capability, but remains in testing and has not entered production.
- China Attack 21: Combines stealth, strike ability, and mass production; can operate seamlessly with electromagnetic catapults on carriers and amphibious assault ships, forming a systematic combat capability.
This positions China ahead in operational deployment of carrier-based stealth UAVs, moving from experimental testing to practical service.
04 Strategic Significance: From “Following” to “Leading”
- Fujian Carrier: The world’s only electromagnetic catapult stealth manned carrier aircraft platform.
- Type 076 (Sichuan): The world’s only electromagnetic catapult stealth UAV amphibious carrier.
Together, these ships allow the PLA Navy to surpass previous technology-following stages and achieve leadership in several operational domains.
The mass deployment of stealth carrier-based UAVs signifies that China’s naval forces have entered a new era of unmanned, intelligent, and long-range maritime warfare. From previously “studying the U.S. Navy” to now leading technological trends, the PLA Navy has made a qualitative leap in operational capability.
References:
- CCTV News, September 27, 2025, “PLA National Day Parade: New Equipment Displayed”
- South China Morning Post, 2025, “China’s Attack 21 Stealth UAV Confirmed for Carrier Operations”
- Jane’s Defence Weekly, 2025, “Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship and Carrier-Based UAV Capabilities”
- Global Times, 2025, “PLA Navy Achieves Electromagnetic Catapult UAV Operations”
