Like a flying aircraft carrier: China launches the world's largest drone carrier ✈️

China is set to deploy the world's largest drone carrier by the end of June. This 'drone aircraft carrier,' nicknamed the 'mother of drones,' could render current military and civilian missions obsolete.


The Jiu Tian, an 11-ton (24,250 lbs) unmanned aerial vehicle, has the capacity to carry up to 100 smaller drones. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, it can travel up to 4,350 miles (7,000 km) with a payload of 6 tons (13,230 lbs).

Unveiled in November at the Zhuhai Airshow, the Jiu Tian is designed to launch swarms of drones, including kamikaze drones. These drones can loiter near their target before crashing into it, often with explosives onboard.

Kamikaze drones are increasingly used in conflicts, such as in Ukraine. The Jiu Tian could bypass certain air defenses by deploying coordinated swarms, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

AI-coordinated drone swarms represent a new battlefield threat. They are cheaper to produce than the defense systems designed to counter them.


Despite these advancements, questions remain about the Jiu Tian's effectiveness in highly contested environments. Technical specifications are still unclear, and some experts doubt its survivability in intense combat zones. The drone carrier itself will naturally be a highly visible and tempting target for enemies.

Beyond military applications, the Jiu Tian could play a crucial role in rescue and surveillance missions. Its drone swarms could facilitate search-and-rescue operations after natural disasters.

The Jiu Tian's first operational tests are scheduled before the end of June. These trials will determine its integration into the Chinese military's drone fleet.

How do drone swarms work?

Drone swarms are groups of drones operating in a coordinated manner, often using artificial intelligence. They can perform tasks by distributing roles and communicating with each other.

This technology enables rapid coverage of large areas, whether for surveillance, mapping, or search missions. The drones can dynamically adapt to changes in their environment.

AI allows drone swarms to make real-time decisions without human intervention, making them highly effective in scenarios requiring speed and flexibility.

However, coordinating hundreds of drones presents significant technical challenges, particularly in communication and collision avoidance.

What is a kamikaze munition?

A kamikaze munition, or loitering drone, is a drone designed to patrol an area until it locates a target. Once identified, it crashes into the target, often detonating on impact.

These drones are used for precision strikes against infrastructure or military equipment. They combine the advantages of missiles and drones, offering high operational flexibility.

Unlike traditional missiles, kamikaze munitions can wait for the optimal moment to strike, making them particularly difficult to intercept.

Their relatively low cost and effectiveness make them a weapon of choice in modern conflicts. However, their use raises significant ethical and legal concerns.