TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China is set to begin test flights in June of a new unmanned drone carrier capable of deploying up to 100 small drones for coordinated attacks, raising security concerns for Japan, Taiwan, and other regional defense forces.
The drone, named Jiutian, was developed by a subsidiary of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the country’s largest aircraft manufacturer. It was unveiled at a Chinese airshow in November and is designed for reconnaissance and attack missions, per Nikkei Asia.
The Jiutian features a 25-meter wingspan and a maximum payload capacity of six tonnes. It has eight weapon attachment points, capable of carrying loitering munitions or up to 1,000 kilograms of bombs or missiles.
The drone can reach speeds of up to 700 kph, operate at altitudes up to 15 km, and stay airborne for as long as 12 hours. Equipped with radar for target detection, it is also designed to control AI-powered drones to conduct swarm attacks.
According to National Defense and Security Research Institute Director Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲), Jiutian’s operational ceiling remains within the interception range of US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems and Taiwan’s Tien Kung missile defense program. He also noted the drone's large size makes it easier to detect and more vulnerable to being shot down.
China has deployed a large number of long-endurance reconnaissance and strike drones over the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait since last year. The introduction of the Jiutian could significantly increase the military pressure on neighboring countries.
According to US think tank Rand Corporation, the Jiutian may use swarm tactics to disrupt command operations on US aircraft carriers, potentially undermining their ability to respond to a crisis in the Taiwan Strait.
Rand noted that China plans to integrate the drone with its amphibious assault ships, allowing for swarm drone launches from the sea to expand operational range. Japan also expressed concern that the drone could be used to monitor US military bases in Okinawa.
The drone threat is not limited to the Taiwan Strait. Japan has been facing increasing aerial intrusions as well. According to Japan’s Defense Ministry, 30 suspected Chinese drones entered Japanese airspace in 2023, three times more than in 2022. Combined with frequent patrols by Chinese and Russian manned aircraft, this growing presence is placing pressure on Japan’s military surveillance systems.
Japan’s Defense Ministry also noted that a Chinese aircraft carrier crossed the second island chain in June, which extends from Japan's Ogasawara Islands to Guam. The ministry added that Chinese military activity in this area has been rare until recently. In response, Japan is considering the installation of surveillance radar on remote Pacific islands to bolster early warning capabilities.
In addition to the Jiutian, China has developed several other advanced unmanned systems. These include the WZ-8, a rocket-propelled supersonic reconnaissance drone capable of flying at altitudes up to 30 km, and the FH-97A, a stealth drone designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets and capable of leading mini-drone swarms in aerial combat.
Another notable system is the Wing Loong-3, which boasts a range of over 10,000 km, a maximum take-off weight of 6,200 kg, and a payload capacity of up to 2,300 kg. Its flight range puts US military facilities on Guam within potential striking distance.
