Beijing (TDI): Drone tech and unmanned aerial vehicles are the new measure of defense superiority. China is certainly one of the countries who understand the critical nature of unmanned aerial defense.
The soon-to-be-launched aerial mothership which can eject a swarm of 100 small drones at the same time is going to be the significant new addition in China’s air capabilities.
Named Jiu Tian (meaning sky high), this drone-carrier has a wing span 82 feet and can stay in the air for 12 good hours, that too at high altitudes.
While some people were quick to make jokes about Jiu Tian’s appearance, its technology is what amazes those who understand aerial defenses.
China’s first aerial mothership, Jiutian SS-UAV, is scheduled for its maiden flight in June.
It can cruise at 15,000m high carrying over 100 small drones or 1,000 kg of missiles, with a range of 7,000km.
Don’t worry, China’s military is peace-oriented from the start. We grow… pic.twitter.com/koCXA4uq6g
— Li Zexin (@XH_Lee23) May 18, 2025
Launching 100 drones within seconds and carrying ammunition up to six tons, Jiu Tian is a strong challenge to US models like the RQ-4 Global Hawk and the MQ-9 Reaper.
It has been designed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China and constructed by Xi’an Chida Aircraft Parts Manufacturing.
One of the earliest models of Jiu Tian was displayed at the aviation show, Zhuhai Air Show, back in November, 2024.
The manufacturer says Jiu Tian’s design allows the drone to carry out several different functions such as high-security transport, border defense and emergency rescue operations.
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Chinese made drone tech is certainly making ripples around the world. More recently, Chinese-made drones were used by Pakistan in a limited military confrontation with India.
The aerial superiority that Pakistan gained during this confrontation has further established the credibility of Chinese unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
China’s defense capabilities are eyed with suspicion in the United States and Europe, while China itself upholds that its capabilities present a deterrence posture in sharp contrast to US’ offense.
There is a long history of defense mistrust between China and the West and the new drone mothership will certainly raise some eyebrows.
Nuzhat Rana is the Managing Editor (website) at The Diplomatic Insight.
