China's drone mothership represents leap in unmanned aerial warfare
State media reported over the weekend that the fourth prototype of the high-tech UAV had just completed structural assembly and was now undergoing final installation and testing. It is set to take to the skies for its maiden flight next month, as part of Beijing's aggressive push to beef up its air force in a move likely to raise eyebrows in Washington and rattle nerves across Asia.
Developed by Shaanix Unmanned Equipment Technology, the Jiu Tun was first paraded at China's largest aviation event - the Zhuhai Air Show - back in November. But its latest version is far more formidable, insiders have claimed. The cutting-edge craft can carry up to six tonnes of equipment, including ammunition to surveillance technology, and has an astonishing range of over 4,350miles. But its the Jiu Tun's ability to unleash a swarm of drones that truly sets it apart.
Footage released by Chinese state broadcasters shows the aircraft launching a flurry of kamikaze drones in what appears to be a simulation of a coordinated strike. Experts have warned that such swarm attacks would be nearly impossible to defend against, overwhelming enemy systems with sheer volume and speed. Defence analysts say the strategy could be a gamechanger in the event of an escalation over Taiwan, with drone swarms used to gather intelligence, jam communications, or even deliver precision strikes.
But the Jiu Tun is not just a flying drone factory, it's also a deadly weapons platform capable of carrying cruise missiles and medium-range-to-air missiles like the PL-12E, further cementing its role as a multi-functional threat. Flying at high altitudes, the aircraft is designed to slip past radar systems and evade many ground-based defences, making it a stealthy predator in modern warfare. The unveiling comes as drone warfare takes centre stage on battlefields across the globe. In Ukraine, small first-person-view drones have reportedly caused 80 per cent of Russian casualties, according to US Congressman Pat Harrigan.
China, eager to stay ahead, has poured resources into its drone development programme. Earlier this year, it test flew the TP1000, an unmanned transport drone capable of carrying over a tonne of cargo. Meanwhile, its WZ-7 and TB-001 Scorpion drones have already been spotted prowling the skies above the hotly contested South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. Experts believe the Jiu Tun is China's answer to America's iconic RQ-4 Global Hawk and MQ-9 Reaper - but with a twist.
Unlike their US counterparts, the Jiu Tun can launch swarm attacks, giving it a terrifying new edge in modern aerial warfare. It comes after it was revealed in March that China was set to boost its defence spending by 7.2 per cent after threatening America with 'any war' durin ga furious row over Donald Trump's tariffs. The communist state announced the huge military spending boost as global tensions soared with Beijing and Washington both declaring themselves ready for conflict. Tensions between the US and China rose to dizzying heights in recent months, with American president Donald Trump increasing tariffs on all Chinese products to 20 per cent over allegations China was fuelling a fentanyl crisis in the States.
China's foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian (pictured) said at the time: 'Exerting extreme pressure on China is the wrong target and the wrong calculation … If the US has other intentions and insists on a tariff war, trade war or any other war, China will fight to the end. 'We advise the US to put away its bullying face and return to the right track of dialogue and cooperation as soon as possible.' The Chinese embassy in the US added: 'If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we're ready to fight till the end.'
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said in response that the US is 'prepared' to go to war with China, telling Fox: 'Those who long for peace must prepare for war. that's why we're rebuilding our military. 'If we want to deter war with the Chinese or others, we have to be strong, and that president understands peace comes through strength,' Hegseth added. The question of who would win in an all-out war, however, remains unanswered.
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