China is gearing up to launch its advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), known as “Jiu Tian,” on its first official mission by late June 2025. Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), this cutting-edge drone first caught global attention when it debuted at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024.
Unlike conventional UAVs, Jiu Tian is jet-powered and can operate at altitudes reaching 15,000 meters (approximately 50,000 feet), with an impressive operational range of around 7,000 kilometers. This gives it the ability to conduct long-distance missions far beyond China’s territory.
A key highlight of Jiu Tian is its capacity to deploy up to 100 smaller loitering or kamikaze drones, functioning similarly to a flying drone carrier. These drones, operating in coordinated swarms, can overwhelm enemy air defenses, jam radar networks, and execute precision attacks on multiple targets simultaneously—embodying modern “swarming” tactics that enhance both impact and survivability.
Capable of carrying up to 6 tons of equipment, Jiu Tian is designed to support a mix of weapons, surveillance gear, and electronic warfare tools. It also includes eight external hardpoints for mounting various payloads, including guided munitions and advanced sensors.
Beyond its military role, experts point out that the UAV’s modular design allows it to be reconfigured for civilian applications such as disaster relief, maritime surveillance, and environmental monitoring. This adaptability highlights its strategic value in both conflict scenarios and peaceful missions.
Defense analysts see Jiu Tian as a major advancement in China’s UAV capabilities and a clear indication of its growing emphasis on AI-powered autonomous combat systems.
