China has developed a new giant submarine drone mothership, likely the world’s first of its kind, designed to deploy and support extra-extra large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XXLUUVs). This development marks a significant advancement in China’s naval capabilities as it continues to modernize its fleet.
The vessel has been spotted under construction at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai. Analysis of satellite images suggests that this unique ship is intended to serve as a mothership for submarine drones, reflecting China’s ambition to enhance its naval operations. Over the past 25 years, China’s navy has transformed from an outdated coastal force into a formidable maritime power, now producing more warships than any other nation.
XXLUUVs – Giant Submarine Drones
China is the first country to successfully build full-sized uncrewed submarines, known as XXLUUVs. Two types of these submarines, measuring 35 and 45 meters (115-148 feet) in length, have been observed undergoing testing in Hainan. These vessels are significantly larger than the U.S. Navy’s Boeing Orca XLUUV, being approximately 6-8 times its size. The XXLUUVs are designed to be launched and recovered from floating docks, which have been specially constructed for this purpose.
The new mothership is expected to provide a more robust platform for the XXLUUVs, moving beyond the limitations of the floating docks. It resembles an amphibious landing ship (LPD) and features a well-deck at the stern, which can accommodate a large cradle for the submarines. This cradle can be lowered below the vessel using 12 vertical ‘jack up’ arms, allowing for efficient deployment and recovery of the drones.
The New Mothership
In addition to the well-deck, the mothership includes a large hangar located forward, which is likely intended to house the XXLUUVs. Based on the dimensions of the well-deck and the size of the observed submarines, it is estimated that the mothership can carry up to four XXLUUVs in the hangar, or a greater number of smaller unmanned vehicles.
The design of this vessel closely resembles a concept proposed for an undersea research submersible in 2025, although this new mothership is larger and features an internal hangar. The presence of this hangar suggests that the vessel is not intended for civilian or research purposes, but rather as a dedicated drone submarine mothership.
It is anticipated that the mothership will function as a mobile submarine tender for the XXLUUVs, providing maintenance and storage when the drones are not in use. Additionally, it will serve as a launch and recovery platform for operational missions, potentially enabling long-range combat roles for the XXLUUVs.
While the exact operational strategy for the XXLUUVs remains unclear, they are expected to play a significant role in China’s naval strategy, possibly including deployment near the west coast of the United States during periods of heightened tension. This development underscores China’s commitment to advancing its naval capabilities and positions it as a leader in the operationalization of full-sized uncrewed submarines.
For more details, visit www.navalnews.com.
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