World's Largest Drone Carrier Unveiled by China, Set for Launch
China is planning to deploy the world's largest drone carrier by the end of June, dubbed the "drone mothership." This formidable aircraft is expected to bolster the capabilities of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) by deploying swarms of drones for a variety of purposes, including combat, surveillance, emergency response, and more.
The Jiu Tian, an 11-ton unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), can carry up to 100 smaller UAVs weighing an additional 6.6 tons, with a range of up to 4,350 miles (7,000 km), according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Introduced at the Zhuhai Air Show in November, this aircraft can also launch kamikaze drones, or loitering munitions, known for their ability to wait for targets before intercepting and crashing into them, often laden with explosives.
Russia has been extensively using kamikaze drones in its invasion of Ukraine, targeting power stations, population centers, and military equipment. Ukraine has responded by shooting down incoming drones, establishing advanced air defense systems from allies, and setting up makeshift cages around potential targets. Unlike existing kamikaze drones, China's drone "mothership" is designed to launch coordinating drone swarms, possibly overwhelming some existing air defense systems.
Concerns have been raised about the practicality of the Jiu Tian in highly contested environments, with its large size and high profile potentially making it vulnerable to detection and targeting. Also, there is limited information available about the carrier's technical specifications. Experts have suggested that the display of advanced weapons systems may serve both deterrent and propaganda purposes, even when the actual capabilities remain unconfirmed.
However, beyond combat, the Jiu Tian offers numerous applications due to its modular payload design. These include resource monitoring, disaster relief, and emergency response operations, as swarms of drones can efficiently assess damage from natural disasters, locate survivors, and assist rescuers in navigating dangerous terrain.
The aircraft's first mission is anticipated to begin before the end of June, focusing on operational tests before it joins the PLA's UAV fleet.
In highly contested environments, the Jiu Tian's survivability may be questionable due to its size and potential visibility, which could be a significant concern in intense military operations. Despite its limitations, the drone carrier's versatility and advanced technology make it a valuable asset for both military and non-military applications.
Technology will play a crucial role in the Jiu Tian's versatility, enabling it to be used for various purposes such as resource monitoring, disaster relief, and emergency response operations. Its advanced technology could potentially overcome some challenges in highly contested environments, despite concerns about its survivability due to its size and potential visibility.
