China’s high-altitude drone carrier to debut in June mission VIDEO

China is preparing to launch the maiden mission of its advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform, Jiu Tian, by the end of June, in what could mark a significant leap in the country’s unmanned aerial combat capabilities.

The development positions the high-altitude, long-range UAV as a key asset in the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) future warfare strategy, Caliber.Az reports citing Chinese media.

Dubbed a “drone mother ship,” the Jiu Tian—meaning “high sky” in Chinese—is capable of launching swarms of smaller drones and loitering munitions mid-flight, providing a major boost to China’s potential in swarm warfare and strategic surveillance. The aircraft is designed to conduct a series of operational tests following its inaugural flight, leading up to full deployment within the PLA.

Unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024, Jiu Tian boasts an impressive operational range of up to 7,000 kilometers and a flight ceiling of 15,000 meters (50,000 feet). The UAV can carry payloads up to six tons and is engineered to release up to 100 loitering munitions or small kamikaze drones from its modular belly-mounted compartments.

With a wingspan of 25 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tons, Jiu Tian is designed to fly above most medium-range air defence systems currently deployed worldwide, enabling deep-strike operations and surveillance missions with limited threat from conventional countermeasures. It features eight hardpoints for various payloads and is capable of undertaking intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and electronic warfare missions.

The aircraft was developed by Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology, a firm established in 2023. It is manufactured by Xian Chida Aircraft Parts Manufacturing—part of Guangzhou Haige Communications—and designed by state aerospace conglomerate Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

According to the manufacturer, Jiu Tian is designed for versatility across both military and civilian operations, including maritime patrol, border defense, emergency rescue, and high-risk transport. Its modular payload bay allows for swift reconfiguration depending on mission parameters.

The UAV is seen as a direct challenger to American drone technologies such as the RQ-4 Global Hawk and MQ-9 Reaper. While the Global Hawk has superior altitude capability (up to 18,000 meters) and reconnaissance prowess, it lacks strike capabilities. Meanwhile, the Reaper, though combat-proven, has a significantly lower takeoff weight and range.

The imminent deployment of Jiu Tian underscores China’s growing investment in drone warfare and its ambition to match or exceed global UAV standards—particularly in areas critical to regional conflicts, such as the Taiwan Strait. Analysts view the aircraft as a potential game-changer in future asymmetric and high-intensity engagements, where swarm tactics and persistent aerial surveillance will play decisive roles.

By Vafa Guliyeva