China’s Drone Mothership

What You Need to Know About the Jiu Tian

China is preparing to launch one of its boldest military innovations yet — a massive unmanned aerial vehicle known as the Jiu Tian, or “High Sky.” Dubbed a “drone mothership” by defense analysts, this cutting-edge platform represents a major step forward in unmanned aerial warfare.

Set to take flight in June 2025, the Jiu Tian is a large UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) designed to function as an airborne launchpad for smaller attack drones.

China’s Jiu Tian is more than just another drone. It’s a bold experiment in military scale and automation. While its practical effectiveness remains to be proven, its strategic implications are already being felt. June’s test flights will be a major moment — not just for China, but for the future of drone warfare worldwide.