China Unveils 60-Ton Unmanned Cargo Aircraft Concept, Aiming to Revolutionize Heavy-Lift Logistics

China has unveiled the Ibis Shadow 60, a 60-ton unmanned cargo aircraft concept showcased at the 7th China Helicopter Exposition in Tianjin. Built by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation under AVIC, the drone is based on the Y-9 transport aircraft and designed for autonomous heavy lift operations, capable of carrying large military vehicles or equipment. The project highlights China’s ambition to integrate unmanned systems into logistics, airlift, and disaster response roles marking a significant leap in global drone innovation and signaling a new era of strategic unmanned air transport.

TIANJIN, Oct 23, 2025 (Defence Desk / Reuters) — China has unveiled a groundbreaking concept for what is being described as the world’s largest unmanned cargo aircraft, signaling a major leap in the nation’s ambition to dominate the field of heavy-lift drone logistics and autonomous air mobility.

The newly revealed “Ibis Shadow 60”, showcased at the 7th China Helicopter Exposition in Tianjin, is based on the airframe of the Shaanxi Y-9 military transport aircraft and boasts a take-off weight exceeding 60 tons positioning it far ahead of any comparable unmanned aerial vehicle currently under development worldwide.

Developed by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the Ibis Shadow 60 marks Beijing’s latest push to integrate unmanned systems into tactical airlift and strategic logistics operations.

According to official materials displayed at the exposition, the Ibis Shadow 60 is designed to transport large military payloads, including armored vehicles, helicopters, or even dismantled fighter aircraft. The aircraft’s vast cargo bay and heavy-lift capability are expected to make it a critical asset for rapid deployment and resupply missions in contested or remote environments where manned aircraft would face heightened operational risks.

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A Crewless Giant for the Next Generation of Warfare

Unlike its manned predecessor, the Y-9, the Ibis Shadow 60 eliminates the cockpit and crew compartments entirely reconfiguring the design for autonomous or remotely piloted operation. Engineers suggest the aircraft could operate under full AI assisted flight control systems, enabling autonomous takeoff, navigation, and landing under varying weather and battlefield conditions.

While no specific range, payload, or endurance figures were released, defense analysts note that the concept aligns with China’s broader military modernization efforts to reduce human risk and enhance long-range logistical flexibility.

The drone’s modular internal space and payload versatility suggest potential applications beyond military use including emergency equipment transport, humanitarian relief, and disaster response. Its ability to deliver large cargoes to otherwise inaccessible areas could also serve China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiatives, providing a dual-use capability between civilian and defense sectors.

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A Strategic Leap in Autonomous Airlift

Experts view the Ibis Shadow 60 as a natural extension of China’s growing dominance in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) design, particularly in integrating heavy payload capacities with artificial intelligence and remote operation technologies.

“The Ibis Shadow 60 demonstrates China’s intent to build a complete ecosystem of unmanned logistics platforms from tactical drones to strategic cargo haulers,” said a senior aviation analyst at the China Aeronautical Research Institute. “It represents a new phase where automation meets airlift capacity on a truly global scale.”

The unveiling also reflects China’s response to global trends in autonomous logistics. While Western defense industries have made progress in unmanned rotorcraft and smaller cargo drones, no other nation has yet presented a UAV concept exceeding 50 tons of takeoff weight.

By adapting the proven Y-9 platform already in extensive service with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) AVIC appears to be leveraging existing manufacturing capabilities to accelerate prototype testing and reduce development costs.

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Dual-Use Potential and Future Deployment

Beyond the military dimension, Chinese state media highlighted the drone’s potential for civilian logistics, maritime resupply, and large scale disaster relief operations. In mountainous or conflict prone areas where traditional supply routes are vulnerable, the Ibis Shadow 60 could play a vital role in sustaining operations with minimal human exposure.

Observers believe that if successful, the program could position China as the first nation to operationalize an unmanned heavy transport fleet, giving it an edge in both commercial and defense aviation markets.

Though still in the concept stage, the Ibis Shadow 60 underscores Beijing’s commitment to AI-driven logistics autonomy and the future of crewless strategic air mobility.