There's not much doubt that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or simply, drones, are going to play a big part in any future warfare. They are already being employed with success by both sides in the Russo-Ukrainian War, and military powers the world over are looking at new ways to play this new game.
China would seem to be about to kick things up to the next level. They have recently test-flown the Jui Tian, an unmanned drone mothership; in effect, a flying aircraft carrier.
The world's first drone mothership, Jui Tian, took to the skies for its first-ever flight on December 11th, 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 reach faraway targets. Able to take off with a payload over 13,200 pounds and with a wingspan of 82 feet, Chinese military aviation analyst Fu Qianshao noted that it can carry more weapons and equipment than modern fighter jets and bombers. It has designated hardpoints for guided missiles and bombs on top of the 100 drones.
Given China's history and predilections, there's reason to be a little skeptical here. While the Jui Tian has apparently made an initial flight, the Chinese don't appear to have actually used it as a drone carrier. From what we know so far, it's not any different than any other armed UAV, just bigger. But if they can make this work, it could cause planners outside of China some headaches.
Originally revealed at the Zhuhai Airshow in late 2024, the first flight over a year later carries a lot of possibilities for China's navy. With a focus 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 aerial army. The incoming army of drones from multiple directions would prove difficult for the opposition to deal with. For now, however, the Jui Tian may take on a more supportive role within China, like transporting heavy cargo to remote locations and providing emergency support during natural disasters.
Here's the thing: So far, China doesn't have the capabilities to operate "deep in the ocean." Their navy is still essentially tied to Chinese ports; they lack the at-sea replenishment capacity to carry out sustained operations on the open ocean. The United States capacity to project power at sea, though, it still largely tied to our nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and our submarine fleet, and a few drone motherships carrying a hundred drones each could very well overwhelm the defenses of a carrier task group.
Our submarines, though, that's another matter.
Read More: Now There's This: China Encircles Taiwan in Record-Breaking War Games
Here's one of the more credible-looking videos available of the Jiu Tian:
China's demographic problem is a real concern, and the use of unmanned vehicles like this could present a tempting way to deal with an aging, diminishing population. And China does appear to be leaning forward in that foxhole.
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 link, able to deliver drones or other payloads over short distances with a 12-hour endurance. However, China has a lot of long-range unmanned aircraft in testing stages that would further shake up aerial combat and defenses.
Here's the thing: Nations like China don't spend this kind of money on military hardware unless they intend to use it at some point.
We do live in interesting times. Keep an eye on the Middle Kingdom, because it seems certain this won't be the last new thing they try out.
Editor’s Note: Thanks to President Trump and his administration’s bold leadership, we are respected on the world stage, and our enemies are being put on notice.
Help us continue to report on the administration’s peace through strength foreign policy and its successes. Join RedState VIP and use promo code MERRY74 to receive 74% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member