Hey tech squad! 🚀 Today, December 13, 2025, the Chinese mainland successfully launched Jiutian—its 16-tonne 'drone mothership'—on its maiden flight. This marks a massive leap forward in large UAV technology! 🌐
Named after the ancient concept of the highest skies, Jiutian features a 6-tonne heavy-duty payload and a modular design that switches between missions seamlessly. Think logistics drops to flood-hit areas (📦), forest firefighting (🔥), meteorological intervention (🌤️), and rapid disaster response after cyclones. It’s like a flying Swiss Army knife for emergencies!
Beyond its civilian roles, Jiutian also functions as a super-large attack and reconnaissance platform, capable of carrying air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. Its specialized mission bay can deploy and manage a swarm of smaller unmanned combat aerial vehicles—essentially transforming modern defense strategies. 🤯
For young pros in South and Southeast Asia, Jiutian’s versatility offers a front-row view of how UAV innovation can reshape everything from delivery networks to disaster relief and national security. Stay tuned as this giant continues to redefine the skies!
(Zhao Chenchen contributed to the story.)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
