Bigger Than An Aircraft Carrier, Beyond Fighter Jets: Inside China's 'Space Warship' Plan

Last Updated:February 04, 2026, 16:51 IST

China's Luanniao space-based aircraft carrier aims to deploy Shuan Nu drones near space, but experts doubt its feasibility despite China's recent Chang'e-6 success

Luanniao is envisioned as a massive, grey, triangular-shaped platform, measuring approximately 242 metres in length and 684 metres in width. (AI Image)

China has unveiled a concept that appears straight out of science fiction, a proposed space-based aircraft carrier designed to operate at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere. The project, named Luanniao, forms part of China’s ambitious Nantianmen, or South Heavenly Gate, programme, and is being projected by state media as a glimpse into the future of warfare.

According to a promotional video released by Chinese state outlets, Luanniao is envisioned as a massive, grey, triangular-shaped platform, measuring approximately 242 metres in length and 684 metres in width, with a reported weight of around 1,20,000 tonnes, significantly heavier than any existing aircraft carrier. The platform is designed to carry up to 88 unmanned combat aircraft, referred to as Shuan Nu drones, equipped with stealth capabilities and hypersonic missile systems.

Chinese media claims the carrier would remain beyond the reach of conventional surface-to-air missiles and modern fighter jets, allowing it to strike targets directly from near space. Defence analyst Peter Layton has been quoted as saying that, if realised, such a platform could potentially overwhelm current global defence systems.

Analysts note that such a capability could offer China a strategic advantage in potential flashpoints such as Taiwan and the South China Sea, areas where China and the United States remain locked in long-standing geopolitical tensions. The project comes amid growing US concern over China’s accelerated investment in rocket, satellite and near-space military technologies.

However, defence experts across the world remain deeply sceptical. They argue that the propulsion systems, fuel efficiency and launch infrastructure required to place, or sustain, a platform of this size at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere do not currently exist.

Experts say China would need reusable heavy-lift launch systems similar to those developed by SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, to even attempt such a feat, technology that China is estimated to be at least 10-15 years away from mastering.

Many analysts have therefore described Luanniao as a conceptual or propaganda exercise rather than an imminent military reality. They believe the announcement serves a domestic purpose, showcasing technological ambition, while also acting as psychological signalling to rival nations.

The South Heavenly Gate project itself is broader than a single platform. It reportedly includes next-generation aerospace systems such as sixth-generation fighter jets capable of operating near space. China displayed a model of one such aircraft, known as Baidi, at a major aviation expo in 2024.

Despite doubts surrounding Luanniao, China’s recent space achievements are tangible. In 2024, the Chang’e-6 mission successfully returned samples from the far side of the Moon, a first in human history. The upcoming Chang’e-7 mission aims to search for water near the Moon’s south pole.

While the Luanniao concept may remain decades away from realisation, if at all, analysts agree that it reflects how future conflicts could increasingly extend into near-space domains.

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