China Unveils Space-Based Warship Concept

China has unveiled a startling concept for a futuristic military asset: the Luanniao, a colossal space-based carrier designed to deploy unmanned fighter jets from the edge of Earth’s atmosphere.

Resembling a triangular sci-fi spaceship, the proposed vessel would measure 242 meters long with a take-off weight of 120,000 tons and could carry up to 88 advanced Xuan Nu stealth fighters capable of launching hypersonic missiles.

Operating above conventional air defenses and weather systems, such a platform would grant China a significant strategic advantage, particularly in potential flashpoints like Taiwan and the South China Sea, by allowing it to position assets directly above targets.

While state media suggests the Luanniao could be operational within 20 to 30 years and is part of the broader “Nantianmen” (South Heavenly Gate) project, many Western defense experts express deep skepticism, likening the reveal to an aspirational publicity stunt meant to inspire the Chinese public and project technological prowess, given the immense engineering and financial challenges involved in creating a functional orbital warship.