The world’s first drone mothership, Jui Tian, took to the sky for its first flight on December 11, 2025, in the Pucheng region of Shaanxi province in China. The massive remotely piloted jet carries up to 100 drones, which it can launch while airborne to hit distant targets. Capable of taking off with a payload of more than 13,200 pounds and with an 82-foot wingspan, Chinese military aviation analyst Fu Qianshao noted that it can carry more weapons and equipment than modern fighter jets and bombers. She pointed out hard points for guided missiles and bombs on the 100 drones.
Originally unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow in late 2024, the first flight more than a year later carries many possibilities for China’s navy. With an emphasis on long-range ballistic missiles and a fighter fleet with the capabilities to operate deep in the ocean, China is looking for ways to improve the range of its air force. The incoming army of drones from multiple directions will be difficult to deal with for the opposition. For now, however, the Jui Tian can take on a more supportive role in China, such as transporting heavy goods to remote locations and providing emergency support during natural disasters.
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China expands on unmanned aerial combat concepts
Jui Tian in first flight – Stealth Marvel / YouTube
China has recently been expanding the use of unmanned aviation in various branches of the military. The Jui Tian is remotely piloted over a satellite data connection, capable of delivering drones or other payloads over short distances with an endurance of 12 hours. However, China has many long-range unmanned aerial vehicles in testing stages that continue to confuse combat and air defenses.
Concepts of the GJ-11 Sharp Sword, an unmanned stealth bomber, have been appearing since 2018. The goal is for the plane to be fully autonomous over time. China has also been testing the CH-7 unmanned high-altitude stealth reconnaissance aircraft for a 2030s arrival, with the goal of supporting operations for both the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the Air Force. Images were revealed earlier this year of an unmanned stealth aircraft that appears to be designed for penetration missions by expertly brushing off radar signals. And not just the air — China recently unveiled an unmanned underwater drone system designed to avoid sonar detection.
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Read the original article on SlashGear.