Beijing — China is preparing to deploy its powerful new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), ‘Jiu Tian’, on its first official mission by the end of June 2025. The large drone carrier, developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), stunned observers when it was first unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024.
Jiu Tian is not an ordinary UAV. It’s jet-powered, capable of flying at altitudes of up to 15,000 meters (50,000 feet) and can cover a range of up to 7,000 kilometers — enough to conduct long-range missions well beyond China’s borders.
What makes it particularly notable is its ability to carry and launch up to 100 small loitering or kamikaze drones, making it functionally similar to a flying drone aircraft carrier. This drone swarm can be used to overwhelm enemy air defenses, disrupt radar systems, or conduct simultaneous precision strikes on multiple targets. It operates under the “swarming” strategy, where coordinated autonomous drones attack in waves, increasing effectiveness and survivability.
The aircraft can carry up to 6 tons of payload, including weapons and surveillance equipment. It also features 8 external hardpoints for mounting various types of sensors, electronic warfare devices, or precision-guided munitions.
Beyond military use, Chinese defense analysts note that Jiu Tian’s modular cargo bay design allows it to adapt to other missions, including disaster response, maritime patrol, and resource monitoring — demonstrating its versatility in both wartime and peacetime applications.
Analysts view this development as a significant leap in China’s drone warfare capabilities and a signal of increased focus on AI-driven autonomous combat systems in the region.