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China development of UUV mothership and new submarines

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2026-09-22 01:20 UTC → 2026-09-25 19:00 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Satellite imagery analysis indicates that China is constructing a specialized mothership at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai. The vessel, measuring approximately 205 meters in length and 27 meters in width, is designed to deploy, recover, and support Extra-Extra Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (XXLUUV). Technical specifications suggest the ship features an enclosed hangar capable of housing up to four large drones and a stern wet well-deck equipped with a cradle system and 12 vertical jack-up arms for launching and recovery. This configuration would allow for extended underwater missions in deep waters, bypassing the limitations of stationary coastal docks. The scale of the uncrewed vehicles being developed is notable; models observed near Hainan measure between 35 and 45 meters in length, significantly larger than the United States’ Boeing Orca XLUUV, which is approximately 26 meters long. Recent imagery also reveals progress at the Bohai Shipyard in Huludao regarding a new class of nuclear-powered attack submarine, potentially a Type 095. This vessel reportedly features a pumpjet propulsor for quieter operation and an X-shaped stern plane arrangement intended to enhance maneuverability and reduce its acoustic signature. These developments signal a strategic shift toward autonomous maritime systems and enhanced undersea power in the Indo-Pacific region.

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