China Builds World's First Underwater Drone Mothership

The Government of China is constructing the world's first underwater mothership designed to launch and deploy autonomous submarine drones. Satellite imagery from Vantor identifies the 200-meter vessel under construction at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai. The ship features a large internal hangar and a stern opening without a floor, specifically designed for the launch and recovery of submerged craft.

The vessel is expected to carry at least four extra-extra-large uncrewed undersea vehicles (XXLUUVs), measuring between 35 and 45 meters in length. These drones are significantly larger than similar systems operated by the United Kingdom and the United States and can carry payloads over 10,000 nautical miles. The mothership also includes a bow hangar capable of transporting a helicopter.

This naval expansion supports Beijing's territorial claims in the South China Sea and President Xi Jinping's ambition to bring Taiwan under Chinese control. The development follows tests of full-size uncrewed submarines off the coast of Hainan. During the Xiangshan Forum, Defence Minister Dong Jun warned against "hegemony, militarism and historical revisionism," a statement analysts interpret as a critique of Japan.