The Economic Times
Jiutian drone unveiled amid high-tech race
The unveiling of the Jiutian SS-UAV at the 15th Zhuhai Airshow was no ordinary drone demo and the Americans were watching it closely. Developed by AVIC in partnership with Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology and Haige Communications, the Jiutian enters a new category: super-high altitude mothership UAVs. It has a max takeoff weight of 16 tons, a 25-meter wingspan, and can cruise at 15,000 meters, above the reach of many traditional air defense systems, and is expected to undertake its first test flight in June 2025.
Chinese media claims the mother drone is powered by a high-thrust turbofan engine and has a range of 7,000 kilometers (extendable to 36 hours endurance). The Jiutian reportedly carries eight underwing hardpoints and a modular bay capable of launching smaller drones for reconnaissance, strike, or jamming missions. It integrates cutting-edge technologies like quantum-encrypted communications, hydrogen propulsion, AI swarm control, and supermaterial stealth design.
