The Jiu Tian is designed to deploy up to 100 AI-controlled UAVs on high-altitude operations.
China is reportedly preparing to launch what it claims is the world’s first “drone carrier” aircraft. This aircraft is designed to release swarms of AI-guided kamikaze drones during high-altitude missions.
According to CCTV, the Jiu Tian, also known as the ‘High Sky’ UAV, is scheduled to undergo its first test mission by the end of June.
The aircraft is reported to have a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tonnes and a wingspan of 25 meters. It can reportedly cruise at altitudes of up to 15,000 meters (50,000 feet), which is higher than most common medium-range air defense systems, and has a range of approximately 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles).
The jet-powered Jiu Tian can reportedly carry up to 6 tonnes of ammunition and release up to 100 loitering munitions or small drones, including kamikaze UAVs, from two launch bays on either side of its fuselage.
Following a series of test missions, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) intends to deploy it as a “drone mother ship” UAV. This would extend the operational radius of attack drones and enhance their swarming capabilities. It could also be used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as electronic warfare.
Beyond military uses, the drone carrier could be used for emergency logistics, border patrol, search and rescue, and natural disaster response.
The aircraft, which was first shown at China’s Zhuhai air show in November, was designed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China, a state-owned aerospace company, and built by Xian Chida Aircraft Parts Manufacturing.
According to the Economic Times, the Jiu Tian is similar to Western UAV systems like the MQ-9 Reaper and the RQ-4 Global Hawk but adds swarm-launch functionality, a feature not yet available in the US arsenal.
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