China's First Stealth Drone Being Readied For A Test Flight

A clear photo of the Li Jian (Sharp Sword) UCAV has emerged. The drone is allegedly designed by Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute and produced by Hongdu Aviation Industry. It is currently under testing at Nanchang. Alert 5

China's Got A Stealth Drone -- Killer Apps/Foreign Policy

The same day that the U.S. Navy's X-47B stealth drone took off from an aircraft carrier, photos emerged on Chinese Internet forums that seemingly confirm that China is developing a stealthy unmanned jet, dubbed the Li Jian or Sharp Sword.

(Remember, earlier this week we showed you grainy photos of what appeared to be China's effort to join the United States, France, Britain, and Russia as members of the stealth drone club.)

These jets are meant to replace the current crop of slow, low-flying, propeller-driven UAVs that military planners assume will be highly vulnerable in a modern conflict where one nation doesn't have absolute control over airspace.

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Update #1: China set to test first jet-powered stealth drone, Lijian -- Digital Journal
Update #2: First Chinese stealth drone 'ready' for test flight -- RT

My Comment: The Chinese are about a decade behind the U.S. in this technology .... but it is clear that they are making a concerted effort to catch-up.