BEIJING: China’s advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Jiu Tian, known for its drone-carrier capability, is set to undertake its first mission by the end of June, according to Chinese state media.
Unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow in November 2024, Jiu Tian is a jet-powered, long-range drone designed for high-altitude operations. It can fly at altitudes of up to 15,000 meters (50,000 feet) and cover distances of up to 7,000 kilometers.
With a maximum take-off weight of 16 tonnes, Jiu Tian can carry up to six tonnes of payload, including loitering munitions, guided weapons, and up to 100 smaller suicide drones. These drones can be launched mid-air to overwhelm and penetrate enemy defense systems using \”swarming\” tactics.
The UAV features eight hardpoints for mounting a variety of weapons and sensors, making it suitable for diverse missions such as intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, emergency response, border and coastal defense, maritime patrol, and protection of critical land resources.
Designed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the drone’s modular cargo bay enables quick reconfiguration for different operational roles, enhancing its versatility and strategic value.
Experts see Jiu Tian as a major step in China’s push to develop autonomous systems capable of high-impact operations without risking human pilots, especially in contested zones.