China develops submarine mothership and new nuclear attack vessels

Satellite imagery has revealed significant advancements in China’s naval capabilities, specifically regarding uncrewed underwater vehicles and next-generation submarine construction.

At the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai, a 200-metre vessel is under construction. Analysts believe this ship is designed as a dedicated mothership for extra-extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XXLUUVs). The vessel reportedly features a large internal hangar and a stern launch-and-recovery system, which would allow China to deploy, service, and maintain large autonomous drones far from its coastline, moving beyond previous reliance on floating docks.

Additionally, imagery from the Bohai Shipyard in Huludao shows progress on a new class of nuclear-powered attack submarine, potentially a Type 095. The vessel features a pumpjet propulsor, which offers quieter operation and higher efficiency at submerged speeds, and an X-shaped stern plane arrangement designed to enhance maneuverability and acoustic signature reduction.