China prepares for first flight of flying aircraft carrier

In June 2025, China’s Navy is preparing for the first flight of “Jiu Tian” (“High Sky”), the world’s first flying aircraft carrier, El Confidencial reported.

This airborne platform is designed to carry and deploy up to 100 drones over a range of 7,000 kilometers. According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, the maiden flight is scheduled for late June.

The purpose of this initiative is to enhance the Chinese Air Force’s drone warfare capabilities and test swarm-based kamikaze drone attacks that can overwhelm enemy air defenses.

Jiu Tian was unveiled in November 2024 at the Zhuhai Airshow. With a wingspan of 25 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tons, it can reach altitudes of 15,000 meters — placing it out of reach for most medium-range air defense systems worldwide.