Beijing, Nov 22 (IANS): China has successfully conducted the first test flight of the domestically built and designed stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), media reports said Friday.

The drone aircraft, named "Lijan" or "Sharp Sword" is believed to be the country's first stealth technology-based aircraft, Global Times quoted huanqiu.com as saying.

The test flight began around 1 p.m. Thursday from an undisclosed location and lasted for about 20 minutes, the report said.

The aircraft was designed by the Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China and was manufactured by the Jiangxi Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, the report added.

The drone is designed for use by People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force and Navy Air Force for combat, tracking and reconnaissance, the South China Morning Post quoted Xu Guangyu , a former PLA major general who is now a senior researcher at the Beijing-based China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, as saying.

"The successful maiden flight of the Lijian is a symbol of how China's military modernisation is catching up with advanced countries," Xu said.

"The drone, which is capable of flying undetected at high altitudes while providing high-resolution video and other intelligence, will let maritime departments keep abreast of developments in the East and South China seas and will help Beijing make accurate decisions when dealing with territorial disputes with its neighbours," Xu added.