Video: China to test giant ‘sky carrier’ for drones
China, May 19, 2025 – China’s “aircraft carrier” Jiu Tian will make its first flight by the end of June, laying the foundation for expanding the combat capabilities of China’s unmanned air force, local media reported. The imminent launch was reported over the weekend and state broadcaster CCTV confirmed the mission on Monday.
The first test flight will mark the beginning of a series of tests before the “drone mothership” is accepted into service with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). It is known that the ultra-high-altitude unmanned aircraft will have a range of 7,000 kilometers and will be able to launch up to 100 drones. What exactly the drones will be is not clear, there are also mentions of FPV on Chinese social media, but visualizations, which are also found in serious, state publications, can be seen launching something that looks very similar to the Geranium. But no one doubts that what is launched will be swarming and use artificial intelligence. Another “knock” on the door from the future that is coming whether we want it or not. After the obvious task of reformatting the Navy to suit the new robotic reality, comes the realization of the same perspective in the field of strike aviation.
Peter North
