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Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
China to launch new drone 'mothership' Jiu Tian
China is preparing for the launch of drone carrier Jiu Tian. As per state media reports, this "drone mothership" is expected to take off for its first mission by the end of June. The June mission was confirmed by state broadcaster CCTV on Monday. As per media reports, the first mission flight will mark the start of a series of tests before the People's Liberation Army deploys the long-range unmanned aerial vehicle. As per a report by the South China Morning Post, Jiu Tian, which translates to 'high sky,' made its debut at China's premier Zhuhai air show in November 2024. It was developed by Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology. The drone mothership has a maximum range of 7,000km and an altitude of 15,000 metres. As per The Telegraph UK, the long-range UAV can carry a take-off weight of 16,000kg and has a transporting capacity of 6,000 kg, i.e., the vehicle can be used to carry supplies ranging from surveillance technology to ammunition. The most striking feature of this UAV, however, is its ability to launch large quantities of drones at once. Reports add that this "drone mothership" can launch around 100 kamikaze drones at the same time. As per a video released on Chinese state media, the aircraft will also be able to carry cruise missiles and medium-range air-to-air missiles such as the PL-12E. According to the manufacturers of the drone mothership, the Jiu Tian has a rapid reconfiguration system which allows it to change based on the mission - be it military strike operations, border defence, public security, maritime surveillance or emergency rescue. As China prepares to launch Jiu Tian, India has successfully tested its new counter-drone system called Bhargavastra. This test, which took place last week, came after escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched a series of drone attacks along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and the International border along northern and western sates. These drone attacks were foiled by the Indian air defence systems. After this, India test fired the new low-cost counter-drone system Bhargavastra from Odisha's Gopalpur.
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First Post
20-05-2025
- Science
- First Post
China's new 'drone mothership' can launch 100 kamikaze UAVs: Should the West be concerned?
China is preparing to test Jiu Tian, a massive unmanned aerial mothership capable of releasing over 100 drones in coordinated swarm attacks. With stealth capabilities, high-altitude endurance and modular strike payloads, the system may redefine drone warfare read more Jiu Tian is reportedly capable of releasing a swarm of 100 drones that can work together and overwhelm the enemy's air defence systems. Representational Image/X China is preparing to launch a game-changing addition to its military arsenal: the Jiu Tian, a high-altitude, long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to function as an airborne mothership for drone swarms. With its maiden flight expected as early as June this year, the Jiu Tian – which translates to 'High Sky' or 'Nine Heavens' – marks a significant leap forward in drone warfare capabilities . The massive aerial platform, referred to by observers as a 'drone mothership,' has been designed to launch coordinated swarms of over 100 smaller drones, including loitering munitions and kamikaze UAVs, in a single sortie. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The aircraft is poised to act as an airborne command node, capable of conducting strike missions, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare at high altitudes beyond the reach of many modern air defence systems. Experts believe the drone's deployment could alter the balance of aerial power, especially in strategically sensitive regions like the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. Developed by the private Chinese aerospace firm Jiutian and first revealed publicly at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, the Jiu Tian is part of China's fast-paced effort to field next-generation unmanned systems. Its imminent test flight will mark a milestone in Beijing's broader military modernisation campaign. What we know about the Jiu Tian Jiu Tian is a fifth-generation unmanned aircraft that falls under the category of High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) platforms. With a take-off weight of 16 tonnes and a 25-metre wingspan, it can carry up to six tonnes of payload — including precision-guided weapons, reconnaissance equipment and more than 100 smaller drones — across a range of up to 7,000 kilometres (4,350 miles). Designed to operate at altitudes reaching 15,000 metres (50,000 feet), the jet-powered UAV has been constructed with both stealth and versatility in mind. Its altitude capability allows it to fly above many radar systems deployed around the world, increasing its survivability and enhancing its potential as a force multiplier in contested environments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The aircraft reportedly features eight external hardpoints for carrying a diverse array of payloads. These include surveillance drones, kamikaze UAVs, cruise missiles and medium-range air-to-air missiles such as the PL-12E. According to the manufacturer, the Jiu Tian's interior has a modular design, which allows for rapid reconfiguration depending on the mission — whether it involves military strike operations, border defence, public security, maritime surveillance, emergency rescue or high-risk logistics transport. What is unique about the Jiu Tian One of the defining features of Jiu Tian is its capacity to deploy coordinated swarms of micro-UAVs. A video released on Chinese state media showcases the aircraft ejecting dozens of small drones simultaneously from both sides of its fuselage. China's Jiutian super-high altitude, long endurance drone. With an flight ceiling of 15km, this drone can fly ABOVE the operation ceiling of pretty much all air defense systems. Which means, once the PLA air force gains air superiority over an area, this drone will be able to… — China Perspective (@China_Fact) May 18, 2025 Once airborne, these drones are intended to act in unison, sharing data and executing missions autonomously or semi-autonomously. When fully operational, the aircraft is expected to deploy drone swarms to overwhelm enemy defences through saturation tactics. These drones could conduct simultaneous attacks on radars, communication infrastructure, or troop concentrations, making it difficult for defenders to mount an effective response. This capability represents a major evolution in the application of UAVs in modern warfare. Rather than focusing solely on individual drone strikes or reconnaissance, the new platform is designed to coordinate and launch large-scale swarm attacks — an approach that is becoming increasingly central to military doctrine worldwide. The big question: Should we be worried? The timing and nature of Jiu Tian's development are drawing global attention, particularly as tensions continue to rise in the Indo-Pacific. China's assertive posture toward Taiwan — which Beijing views as a breakaway province — has fuelled concerns among analysts and policymakers about the regional applications of such advanced drone technology. 'Today, 80 years later, we share the same values and face similar challenges as many of the democracies that participated in the European war,' Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te said during a recent commemoration , pointing out the island's ongoing concerns about Chinese aggression. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the new UAV has yet to be deployed, its potential use in future flashpoints — particularly across the Taiwan Strait — could significantly complicate defence planning for the United States and its allies. In such scenarios, a high-endurance mothership capable of launching kamikaze drone swarms could be used to disrupt radar systems, saturate air defences and maintain persistent strike capabilities without risking manned aircraft. According to multiple defence observers, the Jiu Tian is intended to rival advanced US UAV platforms like the RQ-4 Global Hawk and MQ-9 Reaper. While those American models specialise in strategic surveillance and multirole missions, neither is currently capable of launching coordinated drone swarms. Jiutian's concept is also seen as building on the legacy of programs like DARPA's 'Gremlins' initiative in the United States, which explored using motherships to launch and retrieve smaller UAVs, reported online defence and security magazine Army Recognition. However, unlike the Gremlins programme, China's version appears to be much closer to deployment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How China is modernising its military The test flight of Jiu Tian is not occurring in isolation. It is part of a broader military acceleration that includes the development of China's sixth-generation fighter jet programme and increased naval and missile testing. This aligns with China's push toward an integrated multi-domain force, in which unmanned aerial systems play a leading role. Drone warfare has increasingly shaped modern conflicts , with lessons drawn from Ukraine's successful use of FPV (first-person view) drones against Russian armoured units. Pat Harrigan, a US Congressman, recently stated that 'FPV drones were responsible for 80 per cent of Russian casualties in Ukraine.' China, too, has been investing heavily in unmanned systems. Earlier this year, it tested the TP1000 — the country's first drone capable of transporting over one tonne of cargo. Other notable platforms include the stealthy CH-7, the medium-altitude Wing Loong-X, and the TB-001 Scorpion, which has been seen flying near disputed areas in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait . Unlike many of China's earlier UAVs developed solely by state-run enterprises, Jiu Tian is being produced by a private company — Jiutian — in collaboration with state-backed firms like Xi'an Chida Aircraft Parts Manufacturing and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This represents a growing trend where China is leveraging commercial innovation to bolster its defence industry. The decision to fast-track the drone's development — with a prototype unveiled in 2024 and flight testing scheduled for mid-2025 — illustrates how quickly China is moving to integrate private-sector capabilities into its military modernisation plans. The drone's architecture is said to be modular, allowing for easy upgrades and mission-specific customisation, even as it remains in the testing phase. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
The Age
20-05-2025
- The Age
China prepares to launch large drone ‘mothership'
China is preparing to launch a new drone-carrying mothership capable of releasing 100 kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the same time. The Jiu Tian, which means 'high sky', is a high-altitude long-range UAV that can transport weapons and equipment. Over the weekend, state media reported that the fourth prototype had completed its structural assembly and was undergoing installation and testing. It will set off on its maiden flight next month as China looks to boost its air force capabilities. The Jiu Tian was developed by Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology and was unveiled at the Zhuhai air show, the largest in the country, in November. The vehicle has a 25-metre wingspan and can fly for 12 hours, with a maximum range of 7000 kilometres. It has a take-off weight of 16 tonnes and a transporting capacity of six tonnes, which could be used to carry anything from surveillance technology to ammunition. The most noteworthy part of the new aircraft is its ability to launch large quantities of drones at once, making it difficult for a defender to respond. Video footage released by state media replicates what this could look like. Drone swarms can be hugely beneficial for intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, which would be important in the event of an escalation in conflict between China and Taiwan. The aircraft can also carry cruise missiles and medium-range air-to-air missiles, such as the PL-12E.
Sydney Morning Herald
20-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
China prepares to launch large drone ‘mothership'
China is preparing to launch a new drone-carrying mothership capable of releasing 100 kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the same time. The Jiu Tian, which means 'high sky', is a high-altitude long-range UAV that can transport weapons and equipment. Over the weekend, state media reported that the fourth prototype had completed its structural assembly and was undergoing installation and testing. It will set off on its maiden flight next month as China looks to boost its air force capabilities. The Jiu Tian was developed by Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology and was unveiled at the Zhuhai air show, the largest in the country, in November. The vehicle has a 25-metre wingspan and can fly for 12 hours, with a maximum range of 7000 kilometres. It has a take-off weight of 16 tonnes and a transporting capacity of six tonnes, which could be used to carry anything from surveillance technology to ammunition. The most noteworthy part of the new aircraft is its ability to launch large quantities of drones at once, making it difficult for a defender to respond. Video footage released by state media replicates what this could look like. Drone swarms can be hugely beneficial for intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, which would be important in the event of an escalation in conflict between China and Taiwan. The aircraft can also carry cruise missiles and medium-range air-to-air missiles, such as the PL-12E.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
China to launch drone mothership
Credit: X/@XH_Lee23 China is preparing to launch a new drone-carrying mothership capable of releasing 100 kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the same time. The Jiu Tan, which means 'high sky', is a high-altitude long-range UAV that can transport weapons and equipment. Over the weekend, state media reported that the fourth prototype had completed its structural assembly and was undergoing installation and testing. It will set off on its maiden flight next month as China looks to boost its air force capabilities. The Jiu Tan was developed by Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology and was first unveiled at the Zhuhai air show, the largest in the country, in November. The vehicle has a 25 metre wingspan and can fly for 12 hours, with a maximum range of 7,000 kilometres (4,350 miles). It has a take-off weight of 16 tons and a transporting capacity of six tons, which could be used to carry anything from surveillance technology to ammunition. However, the most noteworthy part of the new aircraft is its ability to launch large quantities of drones at once, making it difficult for a defender to respond. Video footage released by state media replicates what this could look like. Drone swarms can be hugely beneficial for intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, which would be important in the event of an escalation in conflict between China and Taiwan. The aircraft can also carry cruise missiles and medium-range air-to-air missiles, such as the PL-12E. Its ability to reach high altitudes means it would be harder to detect from ground-based radar systems and could fly above many of the defence systems operational around the world. Drone warfare has become increasingly important in recent years because of its central role in Russia's war in Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine's production of drones – specifically first person view (FPV) drones, which are capable of destroying tanks – has surged. Pat Harrigan, a member of the US House of Representatives, said last month that FPV drones were responsible for 80 per cent of Russian casualties in Ukraine. Ukraine has also developed a growing fleet of long-range drones, capable of hitting military bases and weapons storage facilities deep inside Russia. China already has a large drone capacity. Earlier this year, it tested the TP1000, the first unmanned transport aircraft capable of carrying over one ton of goods. The country has also previously operated long-endurance drones, such as the WZ-7 drone and the TB-001 Scorpion drone, around contested islands in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. The development of the Jia Tun could be the latest in China's effort to expand its aerial capabilities to rival those of the US. Experts have said that the drone-carrying mothership will be a probable competitor to two American carriers, RQ-4 Global Hawk and the MQ-9 Reaper. Neither the RQ-4 nor the MQ-9 are capable of the swarm strikes that make the Jia Tun a noteworthy addition to China's arsenal. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
