China recently showcased its advancements in drone technology, unveiling a new trimaran drone ship known as the “Killer Whale” and a large jet-powered drone called “Jiu Tian” at the Zhuhai Airshow.
The “Killer Whale,” a new drone ship built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation, debuted at the Zhuhai Airshow last week following sightings at a shipyard in Guangzhou earlier this year. The unmanned surface vessel resembles the U.S. Navy’s Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships in concept but is smaller, with a length of approximately 190 feet and a displacement between 300-500 tons. The vessel can reportedly reach speeds up to 40 knots and operate over 4,000 nautical miles.
Equipped with a range of weaponry, the Killer Whale can deploy anti-ship missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, torpedoes, and a helicopter drone from its rear deck. The ship’s design incorporates a “modular mission package” concept, allowing the vessel to adapt to multiple roles, including surface warfare, anti-submarine operations, and air defense.
Despite its unmanned designation, the Killer Whale has a wraparound bridge deck, possibly allowing for optional human control. Analysts have noted the vessel’s resemblance to Indonesia’s manned Klewang-class fast attack craft. The ship’s modular and adaptable capabilities enable it to perform a variety of missions, including battlefield surveillance, environmental monitoring, and potential rescue operations.
Meanwhile, the “Jiu Tian” drone, is a jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicle, with an estimated maximum takeoff weight of around 10 tons. It has a modular central payload section referred to as the “Isomerism Hive Module.” The feature appears designed to launch swarms of smaller drones, an emerging tactic in modern warfare aimed at overwhelming defenses with multiple targets.
Jiu Tian’s design includes a high main wing with minimal sweep, small winglets, an H-shaped tail, and underwing pylons, which are visible but not yet equipped with weaponry in public images. A sensor turret mounted under its nose provides infrared and optical imaging capabilities, while a radome suggests onboard radar, enabling intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance as well as strike missions.
This large drone is among the heaviest uncrewed aircraft produced by China and appears to be designed for long-endurance operations over large distances, much like the United States’ MQ-9 Reaper. Its jet propulsion allows for rapid transit and extended station time, which could prove valuable in maintaining surveillance or engaging in military operations in contested areas.
