China Launches Massive Aerial Drone Carrier in Show of Prowess

China conducted the maiden flight of what is considered to be the world’s largest drone mothership, underscoring its advances in unmanned aerial vehicles capable of unleashing weaponized swarms.

The unmanned “Jiutian” completed its first mission in the northwestern province of Shaanxi, the official Xinhua News Agency reported Thursday without elaborating. The aerial vehicle has been likened to an aircraft carrier for its ability to host multiple drones and missiles. Jiutian means “nine heavens” — a Chinese term for extremely high skies.