China to extend combat range of UAVs as Jiu Tian drone carrier prepares for first mission

China’s “drone carrier” Jiu Tian will take off for its first mission by the end of June, laying the groundwork for the Chinese air force to extend its range of unmanned aerial combat.

The news was circulated by Chinese media on the weekend, with state broadcaster CCTV confirming the mission on Monday.

The first mission flight will mark the beginning of a series of tests before the aircraft is deployed by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

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The Jiu Tian – whose name means “high sky” – is a super-high altitude, long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that debuted in the country’s Zhuhai air show in November.

With a maximum range of 7,000km (4,350 miles) and altitude of 15,000 metres (50,000 feet), the jet-powered drone could carry up to 6 tonnes of ammunition and small-sized drones.

It has a maximum take-off weight of 16 tonnes, a wingspan of 25 metres and an ability to fly above many of the medium-range defence systems that are currently deployed worldwide.

Up to 100 units of loitering ammunition or small drones, including kamikaze UAVs, can be released from both sides of the belly of the aircraft, extending their reach.

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