A new ship has been spotted at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai. Naval News, having analyzed numerous satellite images, sought to assess its possible purpose. Although the ship appears unique, it is most likely a special-purpose vessel designed to carry marine drones.
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China has already become the first and so far the only country to build two large unmanned underwater vehicles, measuring 35 and 45 meters in length (XXLUUV – extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles).
Resembles a landing ship
The new ship resembles a 205-meter-long landing ship capable of accommodating such underwater vehicles. Its stern features an open deck with a lowering platform designed to receive unmanned vehicles underwater.
At the front of the ship, there is a large hangar where they are believed to be stored. Judging by the dimensions, the “drone carrier” could carry four or more XXLUUV-type vehicles in the hangar or a larger number of smaller drones. It is likely that the ship will provide their technical maintenance and storage, as well as serve as a platform for launching them during combat missions.
Naval News notes that it is still unclear exactly how China intends to use the XXLUUV unmanned underwater vehicles. It is believed that they will carry out combat missions over long distances, including possible deployment near the US West Coast during periods of tension or conflict.
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In recent years, China has begun actively preparing for underwater warfare with the US and its allies, writes The Moscow Times.
A Reuters investigation revealed that China’s research vessels are conducting a large-scale operation mapping and monitoring the underwater terrain not only near its territorial waters but also in three oceans – the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic.
For example, China has installed modern sensors in the strait between Taiwan and the Philippines, which the US is strengthening to cut off Beijing’s access to the Pacific Ocean and through which US submarines must pass to enter the South China Sea.
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