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China Confirms June Maiden Missions for Jiu Tian 'Drone Mothership'

China plans to launch the Jiu Tian drone carrier, an unmanned aerial vehicle designed to release swarms of smaller drones, by the end of June 2025.
The development follows China's strategy to expand its UAV capabilities amid growing regional military tensions and its aim to achieve air superiority over Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.
Jiu Tian features an 82-foot wingspan, a turbofan engine, a 7,000-kilometer range, and can carry up to 100 drones and six tons of payload including missiles and guided bombs.
China Central Television called Jiu Tian a "drone mothership" capable of overwhelming enemy air defenses, though experts warn its large size makes it vulnerable to systems like THAAD and Patriot PAC-3.
If operational, Jiu Tian could extend China’s combat drone range and influence in aerial warfare, but it likely requires air suppression support to survive in contested airspace.

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valeursactuelles.com

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The Chinese state media have revealed this week a new military aircraft designed to strengthen their arsenal: an unmanned air "mothership", developed for the People's Liberation Army, reports Le Figaro. This giga-drone, called Jiutian SU-AVE, is presented as a true flying carrier, capable of launching up to 100 autonomous drones or several cruise missiles.The Chinese Jiu Tian unmanned aircraft carrier, designed with a unique honeycomb structure,…

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