China launches first giant aerial drone carrier — Bloomberg
Photo: China launches giant drone aircraft carrier for the first time (Getty Images)
China has launched the world's largest aerial drone carrier. We are talking about the Jiutian unmanned aerial vehicle, capable of launching swarms of drones, according to Bloomberg.
Jiutian carried out its first mission in Shaanxi Province. Details of the test have not been disclosed. The device is compared to an aircraft carrier due to its ability to carry several drones and missiles at once.
The name Jiutian translates as nine heavens and means an extremely high sky.
Photo: China launches giant aerial drone carrier for the first time (screenshot from video)
The model was presented to the public last year at an air show in Zhuhai.
The drone can carry up to six tons and is equipped with eight suspension points for guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and kamikaze drones that attack targets after prolonged loitering.
In its internal compartment, the Jiutian can carry more than 100 small drones, which are launched in swarms to suppress Russian air defenses.
At the same time, experts note that the large size of the aircraft may reduce its stealth in combat.
Before joining the Chinese army's drone fleet, the aircraft must undergo a series of additional tests.
Jiutian is being developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China in collaboration with the state-owned enterprise Guangzhou Haige Communications.
Jiutian
Jiutian is a long-range jet UAV with a maximum flight range of up to 7,000 km and an altitude of up to 15,000 meters.
The aircraft has a wingspan of 25 meters and a maximum take-off weight of 16 tons, which puts it on par with the American RQ-4 Global Hawk and MQ-9 Reaper drones, but with additional strike capabilities.
China building up military capabilities
China is stepping up the development of unmanned systems, while also showing off new weapons, from landing ships to combat drones. Beijing is continuing its policy of strengthening its military capabilities and competing with the US.
In September, at a military parade in Beijing, Chinese leader Xi Jinping demonstrated the country's latest combat drones.
Demand for unmanned systems has skyrocketed since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, where drones have proven their effectiveness in destroying tanks, ships, and other expensive equipment.
The Chinese industry is actively developing, from civilian manufacturers DJI and Easy Fly to large defense enterprises.
Chinese scientists have developed a military drone capable of quickly separating into six separate parts in the air. They claim that this is a technological breakthrough that could change the battlefield.
