Foreign Media: China Unveils the Attack-11 "Xuanlong" Stealth Unmanned Combat Aircraft

According to a report by The War Zone (TWZ) on November 11, 2026, China has released its clearest public imagery yet of the Attack-11 stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). New official footage from CCTV reveals previously unseen details of the flying-wing drone, including internal weapon bays, landing gear, nose-mounted sensor pods, and a distinctive exhaust configuration.

The footage, broadcast by CCTV two days before the 77th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force, also provided further insight into the aircraft’s intended operational roles—encompassing air strike missions, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), and manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operations with piloted fighters.

This latest disclosure represents the most comprehensive public observation of the Attack-11’s configuration to date, offering deeper understanding of how China intends to employ this stealth flying-wing platform, designated “Xuanlong.”

— Examining the Attack-11

One of the most informative frames shows a belly view of the Attack-11, clearly revealing two internal weapon bays located within the blended wing-body structure. Each bay features dual doors with serrated edges—a common design feature in low-observable platforms. The internal layout and dimensions of the bays remain undisclosed, as does the specific range of weapons the aircraft can carry. However, each bay is likely capable of accommodating at least one 1,000-pound, or potentially even 2,000-pound, munition.

According to CCTV, these bays can carry various air-to-ground and ground-attack munitions. A model displayed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) at the 2021 China Airshow had already demonstrated the bay configuration, but this new footage provides the first clear visual of the actual aircraft.

Internal weapon carriage is central to the Attack-11’s low-observability design, allowing it to carry ordnance without the radar cross-section and aerodynamic penalties associated with external pylons and stores.

The new imagery also enables closer inspection of the trapezoidal glass fairing beneath the nose, which appears consistent with an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor system. While specific technical details remain unconfirmed, it is notable that similar devices have been observed on piloted platforms such as the J-20 and J-35 fighters. These systems appear functionally analogous to the F-35’s Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). If the Attack-11’s sensors operate similarly, they would enable precision targeting and identification, laser designation, and supplementary infrared search-and-track capabilities.

Perhaps the most distinctive external feature of the Attack-11 remains its exhaust configuration, reportedly powered by a WS-13 turbofan engine. Close-up shots of the aircraft’s tail reveal flattened exhaust nozzles, shielded and integrated into the upper rear section of the flying-wing fuselage. Combined with a dorsal intake and the absence of traditional exposed engine exhausts, this configuration aims to reduce both radar and infrared signatures—particularly from the most critical viewing angles. The tailless, blended-wing design has now become a defining characteristic of low-observable UCAVs.

— Air Strikes and Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses

Beyond the new imagery, another significant aspect of the CCTV report lies in its description of the Attack-11’s intended combat role.

The broadcaster listed air strike and SEAD operations among the aircraft’s primary missions. The latter is particularly consequential, as penetrating heavily defended airspace to locate, suppress, or destroy enemy air defense systems remains one of the most hazardous tasks for manned combat aircraft.

Stealthy unmanned platforms can enter high-threat environments with precision-guided munitions, providing additional sensing and targeting capacity, or compelling adversaries to expend scarce air defense assets—thereby contributing to mission success.

The two internal bays allow the aircraft to carry air-to-ground munitions while maintaining a low-observability profile. However, details regarding specific weapon integration, payload capacity, and whether the Attack-11 can employ dedicated anti-radiation weapons for SEAD remain unclear. Alternative SEAD/DEAD payloads could include multiple small-diameter bomb (SDB)-like munitions, some of which may be network-enabled, as depicted in earlier conceptual videos. The platform could also carry a variety of other stand-off weapons, leveraging onboard sensors for target acquisition or receiving targeting data via tactical data links from external sources.

— First Live-Fire Mission Claimed

According to CCTV, the Attack-11 has completed its first live-fire mission, with two female drone operators from the PLA Air Force’s first cohort of female UAV pilots participating in the operation.

One operator, Shi Xiaoran, described encountering cloud cover that initially obscured the target. After maneuvering around the area, she reacquired the target and released the ordnance, achieving a confirmed hit.

The extent to which the aircraft autonomously identified and engaged the target remains uncertain. A successful strike demonstrates weapon delivery capability but does not necessarily indicate autonomous targeting or engagement authority.

— Manned-Unmanned Teaming with J-16 and J-20 Fighters

The most strategically significant element of the latest reporting may be its emphasis on manned-unmanned teaming.

CCTV footage shows the Attack-11 conducting mission planning alongside the J-16 “Flanker” multirole fighter, and in another sequence, operating in coordination with the fifth-generation stealth J-20 fighter.

The J-16 offers a robust multirole platform for strike and electronic warfare missions, while the J-20 provides a stealth-capable manned counterpart for high-intensity air combat. Integrating an unmanned platform like the Attack-11 with these aircraft extends the formation’s sensor coverage, increases weapon loadouts, performs reconnaissance, or assumes high-risk missions.

As a “loyal wingman,” the Attack-11’s role extends beyond mere weapon carriage. This UCAV functions as an additional airborne sensor and strike platform, enabling manned aircraft to distribute tasks across a larger, more flexible formation.

Disclaimer: All equipment data referenced herein are drawn from reports published by The War Zone.

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Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881513767690372/

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