China’s Largest Drone Carrier Set for Deployment, Capable of Launching 100 Drones

China is preparing to deploy the largest drone carrier in the world, the Jiu Tian, by the end of June 2025. This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is capable of carrying up to 100 smaller drones, with a total payload of 6.6 tons (6,000 kg), and can travel distances up to 4,350 miles (7,000 km). The drone mothership, introduced at the Zhuhai Air Show in 2024, is equipped to launch a range of drones, including loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones. These drones can intercept and destroy targets, often with explosives. Kamikaze drones have become more prominent in modern warfare, with Russia using them extensively in Ukraine. The swarming capability of the Jiu Tian could pose significant challenges for existing defense systems, especially when the drones coordinate using AI. While the potential for military applications is clear, such as surveillance, combat, and rescue operations, experts remain cautious about the practicality of the Jiu Tian in highly contested areas. Its ability to survive under heavy fire or interference is still unproven. The carrier could also play a major role in non-military operations, including disaster relief and emergency response. The PLA expects to conduct operational tests with the Jiu Tian before it joins its UAV fleet later this year.