Meet China’s giant Jiutian drone: 6-tonne payload, 12-hour endurance and a swarm-carrying design; how powerful is Beijing’s flying mothership?

China has flown its large, jet-powered Jiutian drone for the first time. The aircraft is much bigger than many military drones in service today. Its size also gives it room to carry a heavy payload, including equipment designed to release swarms of smaller drones. Built by AVIC, the jet-powered aircraft can carry up to six tonnes and stay airborne for 12 hours. The drone can reportedly reach speeds of up to 378 knots and operate at altitudes of up to 15,000 metres.