China flight-tests GJ-21 stealth UAV as Type 076 Sichuan drone carrier enters final sea trials

Exam-focused facts from the 2 September 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

China flight-tested its GJ-21 stealth attack drone in August 2026.
The GJ-21 is the naval variant of the GJ-11 stealth attack drone.
The Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan, the world's first drone carrier, has entered final sea trials.
The Sichuan has a full-load displacement of more than 40,000 tonnes and is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system.
The Sichuan is expected to launch crewed and uncrewed fixed-wing aircraft, including the GJ-21 drone, as well as helicopters.
Satellite imagery showed the Sichuan with two Type 052 destroyers and three Type 054 frigates off the Qingdao naval base on August 25.
The PLA Navy is expected to take delivery of the Sichuan by the end of 2026.