A NEW Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms against enemy targets could take to the skies within days.
The unmanned “drone mother ship” is set to embark on its inaugural mission, part of an aggressive effort to enhance the combat prowess of the Chinese air force.
Named Jiu Tian – meaning “nine heavens” – this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) would add to China‘s ability to “swarm” enemies.
This tactic involves releasing vast swarms of drones that work together to overwhelm enemy air defence systems.
A video making the rounds on X illustrates the aircraft’s potential, showcasing its capability to deploy large swarms of lethal drones.
China‘s state broadcaster CCTV confirmed its inaugural mission on Monday.
The jet-powered drone will start by undergoing a series of tests before it is fully deployed by the Chinese air force.
Featuring a capacity to carry up to six tonnes of munitions and small drones, this UAV can travel a maximum distance of 4,350 miles and soar at an altitude of 50,000 feet.
Swarms of drones, including kamikaze UAVs, can be released from both sides of the aircraft’s belly.
Terrifyingly, it is reportedly able to fly above many medium-range defence systems currently deployed around the world.
The deadly machine is capable of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assignments – as well as electronic warfare.
It was unveiled to the world at the Zhuhai airshow in China‘s southern Guangdong province last November.
Jiu Tian is the latest addition to China’s growing supply of advanced drone technology as UAVs become increasingly critical in modern battlefields.
The drone has a maximum take-off weight of 16 tonnes and a wingspan of 25 metres.
It is seen as a rival to American drone models such as the RQ-4 Global Hawk and the MQ-9 Reaper, according to the South China Morning Post.
The Chinese aircraft was designed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China and built by Xian Chida Aircraft Parts Manufacturing.
The manufacturer says that Jiu Tian’s design allows it to carry out various functions such as high-security transport, border defence, emergency rescue and more.
It comes as China has sought to ramp up its military capabilities in recent years.
This has not just been limited to drones, with China also working to build several vast aircraft carriers over the past decade.
China’s military buildup has been watched warily around the world, as Beijing has long refused to rule out attempting to annex Taiwan by force.
China has frequently carried out naval drills in the Taiwan Strait – which are widely seen as preparation for a potential invasion.
Taiwan, known diplomatically as the Republic of China, has never been controlled by the Beijing-led People’s Republic of China.
But Chinese President Xi Jinping, who sees Taiwan as a breakaway province, has vowed to bring the island under Beijing‘s control.
Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te recently said: “Eighty years after the end of the European war, the message of history is clear.
“Today, 80 years later, we share the same values and face similar challenges as many of the democracies that participated in the European war.”
