The Jiu Tian has been designed to deploy up to 100 AI-guided UAVs during high-altitude missions

China is preparing to launch what it says is the world's first "drone carrier" aircraft, capable of releasing swarms of AI-guided kamikaze drones during high-altitude missions.

The Jiu Tian, or 'High Sky' UAV, is scheduled to complete its first test mission by the end of June, according to the state broadcaster CCTV.

The aircraft is said to have a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tonnes and a wingspan of 25 meters. It can reportedly cruise at altitudes up to 15,000 meters (50,000 feet) - higher than most common medium-range air defense systems - and has a range of approximately 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles).

The jet-powered Jiu Tian is reportedly capable of carrying up to 6 tonnes of ammunition with the ability to release up to 100 units of loitering munitions or small drones, including kamikaze UAVs, from two launch bays located on either side of the fuselage.

After the aircraft completes a series of test missions, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) plans to deploy it as a "drone mother ship" UAV, which will make it possible to extend the operational radius of attack drones and boost their swarming capabilities. It will also be possible to use it in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assignments, as well as electronic warfare.

Outside of military applications, the drone carrier could be employed for emergency logistics, border patrol, search and rescue missions, and natural disaster response.

The plane, which was first unveiled at China's Zhuhai air show in November, has been designed by the state-owned aerospace giant Aviation Industry Corporation of China and built by Xian Chida Aircraft Parts Manufacturing.

As noted by the Economic Times, the Jiu Tian largely mirrors the capabilities of Western UAV systems like the MQ-9 Reaper and the RQ-4 Global Hawk, while adding swarm-launch functionality, which has yet to be introduced in the US arsenal.