"Swarm mothership" with hundreds of kamikaze drones: China unveils new mega drone
China - A new Chinese military drone is apparently about to make its maiden flight. The "Jiutian" is armed to the teeth and is said to be capable of launching hundreds of kamikaze drones if necessary.
Ships, airplanes, drones. China is modernizing its armed forces at a breathtaking pace. At the end of June, "Jiutian" (roughly translated: "high in the sky") is set to take off for the first time, reports state broadcaster CCTV.
The heavy drone should be able to cover a wide range of tasks. In addition to reconnaissance and the engagement of air and ground targets, "Jiutian" can apparently also be equipped with a mission module - an "Isomerism Hive Module" - which serves as a launching device for hundreds of small drones. There is talk of a "swarm mothership", or alternatively an "aerial drone carrier".
According to official information, "Jiutian" has a wingspan of 26 meters and a maximum take-off weight of 16 tons. The payload is stated as six tons. The drone allegedly has a maximum range of up to 7,000 kilometers and is said to be able to reach an altitude of 15,000 meters.
If this information is confirmed, the new Chinese drone would be on a par with heavy US drones of the RQ-4 Global Hawk or MQ-4 Tritontype - although these are designed purely as reconnaissance drones.
Jiutian obviously has a broad range of tasks at his disposal
Although "Jiutian" does not have stealth capabilities , the drone should not be underestimated. Because its (stated) flight altitude is above the peak altitude of many air defense systems, several units could overcome enemy air defenses in a coordinated attack with their drone swarms.
Alternatively, Jiutian can apparently also perform the tasks of a fighter-bomber. Images distributed by the Chinese show a broad arsenal of possible weapons: guided missiles, cruise missiles and glide bombs.
Even though it will probably be some time before Jiutian is available in large numbers, some observers are already predicting a milestone for the Chinese arms industry. This is because Jiutian puts the Chinese on a par with the USA. The new drone is also likely to be comparatively inexpensive to purchase and operate.