Ahead of the Zhuhai Air Show in China, an aerospace trade event organized by the Beijing government, a new drone mothership concept has been unveiled. This massive drone, capable of carrying a maximum takeoff weight of 10 tons, could potentially launch drone swarms mid-air, marking a significant advancement in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.
Named Jiu Tian (which translates to “High Sky” in Chinese), this drone is designed and developed by the government-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Powered by jet engines, the drone features a sleek design that includes a typical tricycle landing gear and a jet engine mounted on top of its central fuselage. Despite its appearance resembling a standard attack aircraft, the drone’s central payload area is labeled “Isomerism Hive Module,” hinting at its ability to release multiple drones during flight and coordinate them for operations in the air.
The concept of a drone mothership capable of launching and managing drone swarms mid-air is a strategic goal for China and several other nations, as it would dramatically enhance the flexibility and range of military operations. This capability could significantly extend drones’ reach for tasks like intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and electronic warfare, as well as boost the lethality of kamikaze drones by launching them from an airborne vessel.
While specific details about the drone’s capabilities remain sparse, experts suggest that it could enhance the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) aerial and operational strength. The ability to deploy drones from the air is particularly valuable in military contexts, as it would extend the range of drone operations, a crucial factor in modern warfare, as evidenced by the use of drones in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Jiu Tian drone mothership isn’t the only remarkable piece of military technology to be showcased at the Zhuhai Air Show. The PLA Navy is also displaying its J-15T warplane, a 4.5-generation fighter jet designed for launch from China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian. Additionally, the air show will feature the debut of China’s J-35A stealth fighter jet, which is a land-based version of the J-35 naval fighter. Alongside these, China will also unveil the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile and a new type of reconnaissance and strike UAV, which experts speculate could be the Jiu Tian drone mothership.
The Zhuhai Air Show is set to run from November 12 to November 17, with Russia also showcasing its Su-57 stealth fighter at the event.