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China unveils 10-ton military drone with advanced technology to launch swarms in combat
At a military fair in China, observers spotted the “drone mothership” concept, which was a big hit at the event. This new military drone technology promises to revolutionize the battlefield.
The Drone Mothership Concept
Nicknamed "Jiu Tian” (or “High Sky” in Chinese), this impressive military drone was developed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). With a takeoff weight of approximately 10 tons, the drone mothership is designed to autonomously launch swarms of drones.
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Powered by jet engines, the Jiu Tian features an advanced design and solid structure, capable of withstanding intensive and sustained operations.
The markings on the fuselage, which include the acronym “SS-UAV”, indicate that the technology is an advanced model of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), although the exact meaning of “SS” still holds a mystery.
A closer look at the mothership reveals that it adopts a common tricycle landing system and a turboshaft engine. jet positioned on top of the central fuselage.
While the design may resemble a common aerial vehicle, the area labeled “Isomerism Hive Module” in the payload section suggests the aircraft is capable of launching multiple drones into the air.
Thus, the mothership not only acts as a launch platform, but also as a command and control center, coordinating drones in formation and enhancing intelligence and strike capabilities.
Drone swarms: strategy and military effectiveness
The use of drones in swarms is an increasingly valued military strategy, with several countries exploring the potential of this technology.
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has highlighted the impact that well-coordinated drones can have, tipping the balance in favor of whoever holds the technology.
With a mothership like the Jiu Tian, China seeks to further expand its combat and surveillance capabilities, offering the People's Liberation Army (PLA) a significant strategic advantage.
The ability to launch and recover drones in mid-flight enables long-range operations and enhances intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, as well as enabling electronic warfare operations.
The lethality of kamikaze drones, for example, can be amplified when launched from a moving aerial platform, optimizing response time and increasing the impact of attacks.
Competition at Zhuhai Air Show
The Zhuhai Air Show also served as a stage for the presentation of other innovations from the Chinese defense industry. Among the novelties, the J-15T, a 4.5th generation fighter of the Chinese Navy, which is designed to be launched from a catapult installed on the Fujian aircraft carriers, stands out.
This is the first time a PLA Navy jet has been displayed in Zhuhai, highlighting the importance of the event in showcasing the strength and modernization of China's armed forces.
Another highlight of the show is the highly anticipated debut of the J-35A, a land-based variant of the J-35 naval stealth fighter developed by the PLA Air Force.
As announced by Air Force spokesman Niu Wenbo, the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile will also make its first public ownership at the event, along with a new type of unmanned aerial vehicle aimed at reconnaissance and strike. This new aircraft is expected to be AVIC's drone mothership concept.
The event will run until November 17, offering an opportunity for military delegations from various countries to analyze and evaluate the capabilities of the new Chinese arsenal.
The presence of Russia, which plans to showcase its Su-57 multirole stealth fighter, contributes to the competitive atmosphere and the exchange of knowledge between nations.
Potential for change in military tactics
The introduction of a drone mothership into the military landscape not only enhances operational capabilities, but also substantially changes warfare tactics.
By replacing manual operations with automatic and coordinated commands, drone testing becomes a powerful tool for reconnaissance and strike in conflict zones.
This technology could transform defense and offense operations by increasing reliance on soldiers and minimizing direct delivery of troops to danger.
However, there are technical and ethical challenges to consider. Communication between drones and the mothership, as well as the accuracy of swarm operations, are areas of ongoing development.
Additionally, there are concerns about information security and control of these devices, as a technical failure or cyber intrusion could compromise the entire operation.
Speaking of communication failures and invasion, people need to be more up to date than before. Chinese technologies are very different from a decade ago. The Chinese have much more advanced communication technology than the West, but so advanced that they already use military quantum satellites and military quantum communication, which is considered ultra-secure and almost impossible to be intercepted in a simple way. They also have shielded and ultra-stable communication technology for civilian use. The qualities of drones are so good that they were sanctioned by the US…