China to extend UAV combat range as first mission nears for ‘drone mother ship’ Jiu Tian

Name: Flying taxis, airships and drones: the rise of China's low-altitude economy
Uploaded: 2025-05-19T06:08:56.000Z
Duration: 8 min 18 s
Description: Flying taxis, airships and drones: the rise of China's low-altitude economy

Super-high altitude UAV with 7,000km range and ability to release up to 100 units of small drones will take off on first mission by June-end

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If deployed, the Jiu Tian will contribute to the PLA’s swarming capabilities – in which a large group of networked drones are released to work together. Photo: EPA-EFE

Hayley Wongin Beijing

Published: 2:08pm, 19 May 2025Updated: 5:33pm, 19 May 2025

China’s “drone carrier” Jiu Tian will take off for its first mission by the end of June, laying the groundwork for expanding the Chinese air force’s operational reach in unmanned aerial combat.

Chinese media reports at the weekend commented on the coming launch, and state broadcaster CCTV confirmed the mission on Monday.

The first mission flight will mark the beginning of a series of tests before the “drone mother ship” UAV is deployed by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

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Flying taxis, airships and drones: the rise of China's low-altitude economy

Jiu Tian – or “high sky” – is a super-high altitude, long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that debuted at China’s premier Zhuhai air show in November.

With a maximum range of 7,000km (4,350 miles) and an altitude of 15,000 metres (50,000 feet), the jet-powered drone can carry up to 6 tonnes of ammunition and small drones.

It has a maximum take-off weight of 16 tonnes, a wingspan of 25 metres and an ability to fly above many of the medium-range defence systems that are deployed worldwide.

Up to 100 units of loitering ammunition or small drones, including kamikaze UAVs, can be released from both sides of the belly of the aircraft – extending their reach.