China has unveiled plans for a space carrier that can deploy unmanned fighter jets capable of firing missiles from the edge of the Earth's atmosphere.

State media released a concept video of the futuristic Luanniao, the world's biggest warship, travelling through space above all current defensive systems.

China claimed the carrier could become operational in 20 to 30 years' time. However, experts were sceptical about the project and some likened it to a stunt designed to "inspire the Chinese public".

Resembling a spaceship from a Star Wars film, the Luanniao will be a huge grey triangular aircraft carrier 242 metres long and 684 metres wide. It will have a take-off weight of 120,000 tons – significantly more than any similar craft in operation today.

According to state media, the Luanniao will be designed to carry up to 88 unmanned Xuan Nu fighter jets. These will reportedly be highly manoeuvrable stealth aircraft capable of launching hypersonic missiles, but will be significantly heavier than drones.

If completed, the new spaceship would "outclass pretty much everyone", according to Peter Layton, a defence expert and a visiting fellow at Australia's Griffith Asia Institute.

It would be capable of flying over surface-to-air missiles and other fighter aircraft, he said, adding: "You're also out of range of the weather, generally speaking – and you're out of range of most defensive systems."

The Luanniao could also allow Beijing to position it directly above targets and launch missiles at them.

Such capabilities would give China a significant advantage, including over Taiwan and in the South China Sea, which could be the scene of a future war against the United States.

The Luanniao is part of China's broader Nantianmen Project, which translates to South Heavenly Gate.

Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the project encompasses a number of ambitious plans to expand the country's air and space capabilities.

One of the most prominent elements is a sixth-generation fighter, known as the Baidi fighter, that will also be able to operate near space. A model of the jet was displayed at China's International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in 2024.