China has revealed a new large unmanned aerial vehicle called “Jiu Tian”, designed to operate as a drone mothership capable of carrying and deploying up to 100 smaller drones while in flight. The system marks a significant leap in modern aerial warfare, shifting focus from single high-value platforms to coordinated swarm operations. Unlike conventional drones that act independently, Jiu Tian functions as an airborne command-and-launch hub. It can transport swarms deep into contested airspace and

Ukrainian defense officials have identified a downed unmanned aerial vehicle that may have functioned as a communication relay for other Russian‑used UAV systems, pointing to evolving efforts to extend aerial coordination in contested areas. The drone in question appeared capable of supporting linked aerial systems, potentially acting as a relay to bridge communications for aircraft operating beyond typical line‑of‑sight ranges, according to open reporting on the discovery. This development refl