China is preparing to implement an innovative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) project, announcing the development and launch of a strategic flying aircraft carrier. Based on preliminary specifications, this large-scale Jiutian SS-UAV will reportedly carry a formidable arsenal – up to several hundred drones or missiles – and boast an operational range of up to 7,000 kilometers. The launch is scheduled for June of this year.
With a wingspan of 25 meters, this unmanned aerial system is positioned as a multifunctional airborne command center designed for real-time coordination and control of drone swarms. Its introduction is expected to significantly enhance the reconnaissance and strike capabilities of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), enabling flexible responses to dynamic operational conditions. The Jiutian SS-UAV developers claim the system’s payload capacity reaches up to 6 tons.
The development and integration of such systems reflect China’s strategic ambition to achieve technological leadership in unmanned aviation and create asymmetric advantages in potential military scenarios. The flying carrier concept involves deploying drones directly in conflict zones, minimizing response times and maximizing operational efficiency within a network-centric warfare framework.