By Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
China’s state media recently announced the upcoming test flight of the Jiu Tian, a massive drone “mothership” developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Boasting an 82-foot wingspan and a range of over 4,300 miles, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed to carry and deploy swarms of up to 100 smaller drones and six tons of weaponry, including loitering munitions, air-to-air missiles, and precision-guided bombs.
Promotional footage showcases the Jiu Tian releasing clouds of attack drones mid-air, evoking images of a hive of bees in action. However, Western defense experts remain skeptical, labeling the platform largely as propaganda. Many analysts argue the enormous drone carrier would be highly vulnerable in contested airspace, making it an easy target for modern air defenses.
A former U.S. Air Force instructor commented on social media platform X that the Jiu Tian is “not remotely survivable,” pointing out its 15-kilometer flight altitude remains within reach of advanced U.S. and allied missile defense systems such as THAAD, Patriot PAC-3, and Taiwan’s Sky Bow III.
China’s drone program is part of its rapid military expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) now operates more warships than the U.S. Navy and has focused heavily on anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategies and drone swarm tactics to counter American and allied forces.
According to a recent U.S. Air Force report, the PLA is prioritizing drone swarm technology over manned-unmanned teaming experiments. These developments coincide with rising military pressure on Taiwan, with U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo describing the escalating exercises around the island as “rehearsals” for a potential invasion. PLA military activity near Taiwan surged by 300% in 2024.
In response, the U.S. is preparing a “hellscape” defense strategy deploying thousands of low-cost drones aimed at slowing down a Chinese offensive, while Taiwan boosts its own drone manufacturing and weapons procurement to defend against possible incursions.
The Jiu Tian’s inaugural flight is expected to take place in late June 2025, marking a significant milestone in China’s unmanned aerial warfare capabilities, even as questions about its battlefield effectiveness remain.
