It was designed by Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute (SYADI) and Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG) and is part of seven proposed models by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) program called "AVIC 601-S".

[7][4] Stealth features include the shaping of the rear airframe around the engine exhaust[6] and serrated weapon bay doors.

[9] Images of the aircraft's 20 minute long maiden flight appeared on the internet on November 21st 2013, where the "Sharp Sword" took off from HAIG airfield.

The stealthy drone could deploy swarming air-launched decoys or electronic warfare systems, in addition to launching precision-guided munitions.

[11][12] In October 2022, Chinese media showcased the computer-generated concepts of three GJ-11 being controlled by a two-seat variant of the Chengdu J-20 fighter jet, akin to the Loyal Wingman program of the United States.