China’s Aerospace giant, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), has unveiled a groundbreaking 10-ton “drone mothership” named Jiu Tian, meaning “High Sky,” ahead of the Zhuhai Air Show. Powered by jet engines and equipped with a central fuselage jet engine, Jiu Tian has the potential to release and command swarms of drones mid-air, giving it a unique position as an aerial operations base for China’s military. This “isomerism hive module” on the mothership allows it to launch multiple drones in-flight, a feature seen as revolutionary for future combat and intelligence missions.
Drone swarming technology, which has recently demonstrated its effectiveness in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, can significantly extend an army’s range and operational reach. By launching and retrieving drones in-flight, Jiu Tian enhances its ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) capabilities and enables long-range electronic warfare and kamikaze attacks. The mothership’s ability to extend drone range in this way offers a strategic advantage, allowing it to coordinate operations from the sky without relying on ground bases.
China’s drone mothership isn’t the only new addition to the Zhuhai Air Show lineup. Also debuting are the J-15T, a 4.5-generation catapult-capable fighter jet for carrier-based operations on China’s new Fujian carrier, and the J-35A, the PLA Air Force’s land-based variant of the J-35 naval fighter. Additionally, the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile and a novel reconnaissance and strike UAV will be presented.
As nations increasingly explore drone swarming, China’s Jiu Tian represents a significant leap forward, merging advanced UAV and command center capabilities in one vessel. With the Zhuhai Air Show beginning November 12, this display underscores China’s advancements in aerial warfare and positions it among the leaders in military aviation technology. Russia is also set to display its stealth fighter, the Su-57, adding to the event’s global appeal.