1,118 mile-range: China's high-altitude cargo drone aces maiden flight

China’s Tianma-1000, a domestically developed unmanned cargo drone, successfully completed its maiden flight on January 11, 2026. Developed by Xi’an ASN Technology Group under China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco), the drone is designed for logistics, emergency rescue, and material delivery, particularly in challenging high-altitude and complex terrains such as plateaus, coastal, and mountainous regions. It features ultra-short takeoff and landing capabilities, a modular cargo bay adaptable for different missions, and a maximum payload of one tonne with a range of 1,118 miles (1,800 kilometers). The drone is equipped with an optical-guided landing assistance system that enables precise autonomous landings in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, fog, and haze, enhancing its reliability in low-visibility environments. The Tianma-1000 also incorporates advanced AI technologies, including intelligent loading and unloading systems that can handle one ton of supplies within five minutes, autonomous obstacle avoidance, intelligent route