China is planning to launch a new drone carrier called Jiu Tian SS-UAV. Unveiling its images, China referred to it as the world’s first ‘drone mothership.’ The name Jiu Tian translates to ‘high sky.’The drone, which made its debut at China’s premier air show in November 2024, is expected to take off for its first mission by the end of June, reported HT.
Jiu Tian, 82 feet wide, is designed to carry up to 100 smaller drones, including kamikaze UAVs, and a mix of missiles that can hit other aircraft in the air, ground, and even ships. It can fly for 12 hours at a range of 7,000 kilometres and reach heights of 15,000 metres.
Jiu Tian can send a huge swarm of drones at one time. That means they can fly together in groups, find targets, and attack as all are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI).According to Telegraph UK, the vehicle can carry a weight of 16,000 kg. It can also be used to carry supplies and has a transporting capacity of 6,000 kg. The aircraft will also be able to carry medium-range air-to-air missiles like the PL-12E and cruise missiles, reported HT.
Jiu Tian, 82 feet wide, is designed to carry up to 100 smaller drones, including kamikaze UAVs, and a mix of missiles that can hit other aircraft in the air, ground, and even ships. It can fly for 12 hours at a range of 7,000 kilometres and reach heights of 15,000 metres.
Jiu Tian can send a huge swarm of drones at one time. That means they can fly together in groups, find targets, and attack as all are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI).According to Telegraph UK, the vehicle can carry a weight of 16,000 kg. It can also be used to carry supplies and has a transporting capacity of 6,000 kg. The aircraft will also be able to carry medium-range air-to-air missiles like the PL-12E and cruise missiles, reported HT.
The Jiu Tian has a quick reconfiguration system that enables it to adapt to the mission, whether it be emergency rescue, marine surveillance, public security, border defence, or military strike operations, according to the drone mothership’s manufacturers.
Chinese media are promoting Jiu Tian as a force multiplier and are calling it a game changer. They claim that this mothership can operate at super-high altitudes and can evade many air defence systems.
A video released on Chinese state media showcases the aircraft ejecting dozens of small drones simultaneously from both sides of its fuselage.
