China Unveils World’s Largest Drone Carrier, Redefining Aerial Operations 🛩✈️

By the end of June, China plans to launch the world’s biggest drone-carrying vessel. Nicknamed the ‘mother of drones,’ this ship has the potential to make present military and civilian operations outdated.

The Jiu Tian, weighing 11 tons (24,250 lbs), is designed as an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of transporting up to 100 small drones. As stated in a report, it boasts a range of approximately 4,350 miles (7,000 kilometers) when carrying a load of six tons (13,230 lbs).

Introduced in November at the Zhuhai Airshow, the Jiu Tian is engineered for launching multiple drone formations, particularly those intended as suicide drones. These unmanned vehicles circle around their targets prior to impacting them, frequently carrying explosive payloads.

Kamikaze drones are being utilized more frequently in conflicts, like those occurring in Ukraine. According to reports, the Jiu Tian might evade specific air defense systems through the use of synchronized swarm tactics.

South China Morning Post

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AI-directed drone swarms pose a novel challenge on the battleground. These drones cost less to manufacture compared to the defensive measures intended to neutralize them.

Even with these improvements, doubts persist regarding Jiu Tian’s performance in heavily contested areas. Details of its technical capabilities are not fully disclosed, and certain specialists question whether it can endure prolonged engagement in fierce battlefields. By nature, this drone-carrying vessel would present an attractive and conspicuous objective for adversaries.

Apart from military uses, the Jiu Tian might be essential for rescue and monitoring tasks. The swarm of drones could assist in search-and-rescue efforts following natural calamities.

Jiu Tian’s initial operational tests are set for completion by the end of June. These trials will assess its incorporation into China’s military drone fleet.

What is the mechanism behind drone swarms?

Groups of drones working together in synchronization frequently utilize artificial intelligence. These drone collections take on various responsibilities and interact among themselves to accomplish tasks.

This tech allows quick coverage of extensive regions, suitable for tasks like surveillance, mapping, or rescue operations. The drones have the ability to adjust flexibly as they encounter environmental shifts.

Artificial intelligence enables drone swarms to make instantaneous choices autonomously, enhancing their efficiency in situations demanding rapid response and adaptability.

Nevertheless, managing numerous drones poses substantial technical difficulties, especially concerning communications and preventing collisions.

What is a suicide bomb?

A suicide munition, also known as a loitering drone, is engineered to hover within a specific zone awaiting a target. Upon detecting one, it plunges directly into the objective, typically exploding upon contact.

These drones are employed for targeted attacks on infrastructure or military hardware. They merge the benefits of both missiles and drones, providing great operational versatility.

In contrast to conventional missiles, kamikaze munitions have the ability to bide their time until the perfect moment to attack, which makes them exceptionally challenging to counter.

Their affordable price and efficiency render them a preferred weapon in contemporary battles. Nonetheless, their deployment triggers considerable ethical and legal issues.

Source:

South China Morning Post