Chinese naval researchers have outlined a multilayered defense concept designed to shield warships from drone swarms. The approach, described as a modern “Great Wall,” seeks to block and neutralize waves of low-cost unmanned aerial systems (UAS) before they can reach critical assets. Details of the project were published in the journal Command Control & Simulation, warning that traditional ship defenses could be overwhelmed by small drones built from cheap, commercially available components.
While boosting naval defenses, Beijing is simultaneously investing in drone swarm capabilities to expand reconnaissance and surveillance operations. In 2022, China launched the Zhu Hai Yun, a 290-foot-long (88-meter) “drone mothership” able to carry and deploy UAS systems, observation platforms, and unmanned weapons. The vessel, capable of reaching 18 knots, can be remotely controlled or manually operated when entering ports.
China followed this with the debut of the Jiu Tian airborne mothership in 2024. According to the US Department of Defense, the aircraft can deploy up to 100 kamikaze drones. Powered by a single engine, it reaches speeds of 435 miles (700 kilometers) per hour and covers 4,350 miles (7,000 kilometers) while carrying payloads of up to 6.6 tons. The aircraft features a wingspan of 82 feet (25 meters), a length of 52 feet (16 meters), and endurance exceeding 12 hours.
Equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors, surface-scanning radar, and cargo capacity, Jiu Tian is versatile enough to support maritime surveillance, reconnaissance missions, disaster relief, and long-range strike operations. Together with naval drone motherships, it highlights China’s dual strategy of strengthening its defenses while aggressively advancing swarm technology for offensive missions.
