China’s Aviation Industry Corporation successfully conducted the maiden flight of the Jiutian drone mothership, marking a significant advancement in its drone technology. This 16-tonne UAV, capable of deploying over 100 loitering munitions, enhances the People’s Liberation Army’s capabilities in network-centric warfare, potentially shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. The Jiutian’s modular design supports various military operations, including surveillance and electronic warfare, underscoring China’s ambition for autonomy in high-altitude swarm tactics amid ongoing tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control. This development raises concerns for regional security, as it could overwhelm conventional defenses, necessitating strategic responses from India to safeguard its interests.