Jiutian SS-UAV

With the new Chinese unmanned Jiutian SS-UAV, warfare will go into new age. In June this year, it will be deployed into the service. It have 16 tons maximum take off weight, 25 m wing span and can fly up to 7000 km of distance. Its content hundred of FPV drones inside for mass aerial attack and it is operated through artificial intelligence with reduced human influence. It service ceiling is 15.000 meters. First appearance of Jiutian SS-UAV was at the 15th Zhuhai Airshow.

In pack of few Jiutian SS-UAV, that could be serious challenge for most modern army’s of the world, on land or sea. Its maximum range also provide capabilities of deep strikes inside enemy territory. Launching a pack of missiles which could fly another hundreds of kilemeters is definitely harsh challenge for possible war opponent. Kamikaze UAV already perform its combat capabilities. Apart of internal storage, Jiutian SS-UAV have also eight external warload points with options to carry air to surface as well air to air missiles.

Stand of use of weapons mean that Jiutian SS-UAV don’t need to enter enemy airspace. To mention there Chinese copy of the American AGM-154 JSOW glide bomb, LY-V501 and its range of 130 km and anti vessel missile KD-88 with a flight range of up to 200 km. Some of this armament is shown on the video here.

So, who is the target? Hardly to believe that such development is pointed to face Taiwan, range of Jiutian SS-UAV is over too much and China right now have full power for possible invasion of this island. USA is too far away and hardly believe that target could be country who provide them so much technology. Also, USA natural reserves are weak and they are too far away. Only options can be Russian Federation. They are close, rich with natural reserves, which China need. Must be noticed that some time ago, China published video from fully automated factory which can daily produce one thousand of anti ship and cruise missiles!! With this new drone carrier Jiutian SS-UAV and this weapon capabilities, its obvious that something big forthcoming.

Srećko Bradić