A significant development: China has voluntarily disclosed technical details of an advanced military system. On November 9, Chinese state media released close-up imagery of the People's Liberation Army Air Force’s “Attack-11” stealth drone, designated as “Xuanlong,” showcasing intricate features including wing surfaces, fuselage contours, and landing gear. CCTV Military published a 26-second video on November 8 that captures multiple angles of the Attack-11, featuring static presentation, rollout from a hangar, takeoff, and aerial flight sequences. The PLA officially announced the operational deployment of the Attack-11 in November of last year, accompanied by a promotional video demonstrating its formation flights with other platforms such as the J-20 stealth fighter.

What merits attention is not merely the aircraft’s resemblance to a scaled-down stealth bomber, but rather the evident shift in the PLA’s approach: transforming the stealth drone from a display model into an operational node integrated within manned aircraft formations. The footage released by CCTV Military clearly illustrates key design elements—tailless flying-wing configuration, dorsal intake, flattened exhaust nozzles, internal weapon bays, retractable landing gear, and serrated joint seams on access panels. These are not mere aesthetic features; they represent the core of the platform’s stealth characteristics: elimination of vertical and horizontal stabilizers, shielding of engine fan blades, internal carriage of ordnance, and minimization of both radar and infrared signatures.

Even more critical is the visible electro-optical targeting system mounted beneath the nose, a feature aligned with the J-20’s Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). This suggests the Attack-11 may possess capability for airborne target detection and tracking via electro-optical means, beyond its known ground attack role. The true value of the Attack-11 lies not in standalone strike missions, but in its integration with manned platforms such as the J-20 and J-16D. This represents the concept of “manned-unmanned teaming”—a transformation from individual air combat to networked, system-level engagement.

The official announcement of its induction occurred in November 2025, and the recent release of its codename and detailed close-range visuals indicate the system has transitioned from public unveiling to routine operational use. From this perspective, the significance of the Attack-11 cannot be assessed solely through comparisons with Western platforms like the F-35 or F-22. Instead, it functions more accurately as an “invisible limb” for the J-20: manned aircraft assume responsibility for surveillance and command, while the drone assumes roles in penetration and strike execution. While the U.S. X-47B program has been terminated and loyal wingman concepts remain in testing phases, the Attack-11 has already entered formation operations and formal service. When viewed alongside other developments—such as the carrier-capable Attack-21 variant, the Type 076 amphibious assault ship, and the dual-seat J-20S command variant—it becomes evident that the PLA is constructing a cross-service unmanned coordination network.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881372364595268/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.