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3w ago

China Confirms June Test Flight for Advanced Drone Mothership 'Jiu Tian'

The unmanned platform, capable of deploying over 100 autonomous drones, aims to redefine aerial warfare despite concerns over its combat survivability.

Das unbemannte Luftfahrzeug „Jiu Tian“ bei einer Luft- und Raumfahrtausstellung in China.
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China startet den ersten Testflug ihres "Jiu Tian" Luftflugzeuges im Juni. Die Maschine hat beeindruckende Funktionen und ist universell einsetzbar.

Overview

  • The 'Jiu Tian' UAV, developed by China's state-owned AVIC, is scheduled for its inaugural test flight in June 2025, according to Chinese state media.
  • Operating at altitudes of up to 15,000 meters with a range of 7,000 kilometers, the platform can remain airborne for 36 hours and carry a six-ton payload.
  • Designed to deploy over 100 autonomous drones, including kamikaze types, the system is intended for coordinated swarm attacks to overwhelm enemy defenses.
  • Western analysts have raised concerns about the platform's large, non-stealth design, calling it potentially vulnerable to advanced air-defense systems.
  • Part of China's broader military modernization efforts, 'Jiu Tian' is seen as a direct competitor to U.S. reconnaissance drones like the RQ-4 Global Hawk.