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China will deploy its first unmanned drone carrier aircraft—the Jiutian SS-UAV (also known as Jiutian)—with inaugural flight and combat mission operations scheduled for June 2025. Developed by state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the Jiutian SS-UAV debuted at the November 2024 Zhuhai Airshow and is designed as a High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) platform.
The Jiutian SS-UAV features a unique honeycomb structure enabling cruise operations at 15,000 meters—beyond the effective range of most air defense systems. With a maximum takeoff weight of 15 metric tons and wingspan of 25 meters, the aircraft boasts a range of 7,000 km.
This UAV can carry modular payloads up to 1,000 kg, including precision-guided munitions and 100+ mini-drones/missiles for AI-coordinated swarm attacks. Its internal bay can be configured as a drone carrier, deploying swarms of FPV drones or missiles.
The maiden mission is planned for late June 2025.
Personnel emphasized that the equipment will primarily be deployed for defensive missions including: border patrol, disaster relief, and regional peacekeeping operations.
