Satellite Images Reveal China Building World’s First Known Drone ‘Mothership’
China is set to bring about a major transformation in underwater warfare. The country is building what is believed to be the world’s first specialised “mothership” or drone carrier designed to operate massive unmanned underwater vehicles. Recent satellite imagery captured by US defence imagery company Vantor has reportedly revealed the secret military project.
According to a report by The Telegraph, the vessel is being built in extreme secrecy at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai. Analysts say it could be the first specialised vessel of its kind capable of carrying and operating multiple large uncrewed submarines, or underwater drones, simultaneously.
What the Satellite Images Show
Satellite imagery shows the structure of a massive red-coloured vessel under construction. Independent underwater warfare expert H I Sutton told Naval News that, based on the vessel’s size and design, it is believed to be capable of carrying at least four extremely large autonomous submarines, known as XXLUUVs (Extra-Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles).
The vessel features a specialised internal hangar and a large stern well deck and cradle system, features that are not typical of ordinary commercial or research vessels. These characteristics have led analysts to assess that the ship is likely intended to support underwater military operations. The same shipyard has previously built some of China’s large amphibious assault warships.
China’s Giant Uncrewed Submarines
According to defence analysts, the Chinese underwater drones are considerably larger than most known uncrewed underwater vehicles. Two Chinese XXLUUV designs observed in recent years have been estimated at around 35 to 45 metres (115 to 148 feet) in length. By comparison, the US Navy’s Boeing Orca XLUUV is approximately 26 metres (85 feet) long.
The Chinese vehicles could potentially undertake long-range missions, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, seabed monitoring and mine warfare. However, their exact operational roles, weapons and range have not been publicly confirmed. Claims regarding their ability to travel more than 10,000 nautical miles or conduct attacks with heavy torpedoes remain estimates rather than demonstrated capabilities.
Potential Impact on the Indo-Pacific
The new mothership could give China a more flexible way to deploy, recover and maintain its giant uncrewed underwater vehicles, potentially extending their reach beyond existing testing areas. Analysts have suggested that such a platform could be particularly relevant to operations in the South China Sea and around the Taiwan Strait.
China has significantly expanded its naval shipbuilding capabilities in recent years. Its growing fleet and shipbuilding capacity have been closely watched by defence analysts in the United States and other countries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly called for the “reunification” of Taiwan with mainland China and has not ruled out the use of force. The development of a specialised mothership for giant uncrewed submarines is therefore being closely monitored by military analysts, although the vessel’s final capabilities and operational purpose remain unconfirmed.
