China’s new ‘drone mothership’ draws online ridicule: ‘Big, Slow, and not Stealthy’

Beijing is boasting about having an aerial mothership capable of deploying more than 100 drones and missiles — but the rendering it released of the craft has drawn ridicule over what an easy target it will be.

China unveiled images of the Jiu Tian SS-UAV on Sunday, with the massive plane revealed to be a “drone mothership” with the wingspan of 82 feet that’s capable of transporting 100 UAVs or about 2,200 pounds of missiles at a cruising altitude of around 9 miles in the sky.

While the plane would be capable of flying above many of the medium-range defense systems deployed around the globe, online critics were quick to point out that it stands virtually no chance against more advanced defense systems seen in the US, Europe and other parts of Asia.

“I’m not a fighter pilot, but this is like trying to sneak into near-peer enemy airspace w/ a formation of KC-10s,” a retired US Air Force pilot wrote on X upon seeing the model for the Jiu Tian.

“It’s not remotely survivable…a gigantic missile magnet. This is just classic propaganda,” the person added.

Another X user chimed in, “The Jiutian SS-UAV is a giant prop piece for propaganda, nothing more.

“In any contested airspace[,] especially one guarded by an Integrated Air Defense System (IADS), this thing wouldn’t make it past the outer ring.”

A third person wrote, “OK got it Big, Slow, and not Stealthy.”

Many online commentators also mocked the messages coming out of Chinese news outlets regarding the plane as a “peace-oriented” form of military equipment, given Beijing’s vow to invade Taiwan in 2026.

“I’m sure Taiwan feels safe knowing China doesn’t plan to use its military [to] attack other nations,” an X user wrote.

Another person posted, “The self-governing free people of democratic Taiwan will be happy to hear that!”

The Jiu Tian — or “High Sky” — was previously teased as a super-high altitude, unmanned aerial mothership during China’s Zhuhai air show in November.

The plane is expected to take off for its first mission at the end of June, according to Chinese media.