The People's Liberation Army's unmanned combat capability has taken another significant leap forward. According to China's navy, the country's first carrier-borne strike-detection stealth drone, referred to as "Attacker-21," made a successful landing and takeoff from the 076 amphibious assault ship "Sichuan" recently. This development signifies a breakthrough in the evolution of China's amphibious assault ships, showcasing its ability to operate fixed-wing stealth drones on large naval vessels. Attacker-21 is a carrier-modified version of the land-based Attacker-11, which made its public debut during the National Day military parade last September. However, it has been rarely seen in public since then. To fit the electromagnetic catapults and arresting gear of the 076 ship, the Attacker-21 underwent a series of carrier-specific modifications, including the installation of catapult hooks on the front landing gear and arresting hooks at the tail, as well as the capability to fold its wings to reduce landing space, adapting to the limited deck space on naval vessels. Amidst these developments, the Sichuan, with the hull number 51, is the lead ship of the 076 amphibious assault ship class, built independently in China. Commissioned in December 2024, the Sichuan has a full load displacement of over 40,000 tons and can accommodate various aircraft, including fixed-wing drones and helicopters, as well as amphibious vehicles. Due to its strong air and combat capabilities, naval experts have dubbed it the "small aircraft carrier" or "drone mother ship."
This achievement reflects China's growing emphasis on unmanned aerial systems in its naval strategy, enhancing its maritime combat potential. The electromagnetic launch and recovery system further elevates the operational capabilities of the Attacker-21, bolstering the Sichuan's role in high-intensity combat scenarios. As China continues to expand its military technological edge, the integration of advanced stealth drones into its fleet signals a significant shift in its naval warfare tactics.