China's "Jiutian" large drone takes first flight, aims for versatile roles

A large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), named "Jiutian", completed its maiden flight on Thursday, according to its developer, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

The domestically developed general-purpose drone, measuring 16.35 meters in length and 25 meters in wingspan, took to the skies in Pucheng, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

This aircraft boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tonnes and a payload capacity of 6,000 kilograms. It can operate for up to 12 hours with a ferry range of 7,000 kilometers, according to the AVIC.

Debuting at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in 2024, the UAV features an isomerism hive module in its fuselage, where various loads can be installed to meet the demands of different missions, such as transportation, airdrop, information support, and military attacks.

Its modular payload system enables roles ranging from precise deliveries of heavy cargo to remote regions, to emergency communication and disaster relief, to geographic surveying and resource mapping.

Military expert Du Wenlong highlighted its impressive armament options.

"Once equipment is loaded onto the UAV, it can work like an arsenal plane or a composite aircraft. So, it can incorporate the functions of reconnaissance, interference and striking at the same time," he said.

The successful development of this aircraft has effectively addressed a critical gap in China's heavy UAV market. It opens a new avenue for the nation's aviation industry and carries significant strategic importance in enhancing China's voice within the global high-end equipment sector, according to industry experts.

China's "Jiutian" large drone takes first flight, aims for versatile roles

China's "Jiutian" large drone takes first flight, aims for versatile roles

Nearly 100 guests from the Chinese and American business, academic, and media sectors gathered in New York Friday to discuss new opportunities brought to the world by China's blueprint for high-quality development.

The "China in Springtime: China's Development Opportunities for the World" high-level dialogue, hosted by China Media Group, came after the "two sessions" concluded in Beijing, an event watched closely by many industry leaders in the United States.

Speakers said that as a key window into contemporary China, the annual "two sessions" once again drew global attention. This year's meetings approved important documents, including the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). This roadmap for China's high-quality growth is seen as providing a new list of opportunities for the world.

Participants emphasized that China's development cannot be separated from the world, and global prosperity also requires China. They described this year as significant for China-U.S. relations, calling for a steady, sound, and sustainable development in bilateral ties that benefits both nations and the world.

During the session, guests from the investment and technology sectors explored topics such as the potential for China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, as well as the global opportunities arising from technological innovation and new quality productive forces.

The event also featured screenings of CMG-produced programs, including an amazing martial arts performance presented by a dozen humanoid robots with young Kungfu artists at the recently staged Spring Festival Gala, China's most-watched TV show.

The dialogue series will be held in countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

High-level dialogue in New York brings China's development opportunities to world