The modernization of the Chinese Navy continues to advance, with a new type of submarine recently spotted at a shipyard in Guangzhou, drawing significant attention from the outside world. American media reports indicate that the model of the submarine remains unclear, but satellite imagery reveals a highly futuristic design. Experts speculate that it could be the world’s largest unmanned submarine, potentially 6 to 8 times larger than the U.S. Navy’s “Orca” extra-large unmanned submarine.
Mysterious Submarine Spotted at Guangzhou Shipyard
The U.S. media outlet Naval News reported that the submarine was discovered at a shipyard in Guangzhou, a facility not traditionally known for submarine construction, adding to the mystery. Defense observer MT Anderson identified the new submarine inside a floating dock, and expert analysis suggests it is a completely new design never before seen.
American submarine warfare expert H. I. Sutton noted that China has once again demonstrated its capability to secretly build submarines. Unlike Western countries, China can construct submarines without prior exposure, whereas new U.S. Navy submarines are often reported years before their construction begins.
The report states that this submarine differs from the previously constructed Type 041 submarines at the Wuchang Shipyard, being smaller in size and possibly equipped with a non-nuclear auxiliary propulsion system. Additionally, it is distinct from the “Olympic” submarine unveiled in 2022. The absence of a conning tower has led to speculation that it might be the world’s largest unmanned submarine.
No Conning Tower Design Sparks Speculation: Possibly the World’s Largest Unmanned Submarine
Initial expert estimates suggest the submarine is approximately 45 meters long and 5 meters wide, with its most striking feature being the X-shaped rudder at the stern and the complete absence of a conning tower. The conning tower is a hallmark of traditional submarines, but for an unmanned submarine, this design element can be omitted.
Sutton pointed out that China is the only country to have successfully built a submarine without a conning tower. As early as 2019, the Shanghai Jiangnan Shipyard launched a similar submarine, but it was experimental and lacked torpedo tubes or sonar. The new submarine could be an advanced version of that technology.
Currently, many countries are developing extra-large unmanned submarines (XLUUVs), with China’s program being the largest, having already launched at least five models. If this submarine is an XLUUV, it would become the world’s largest unmanned submarine, far surpassing the size of the U.S. Navy’s “Orca.”
Expert: Likely Designed for Special Operations
Although China has previously built the world’s largest unmanned surface vessel (USV), the purpose of this extra-large submarine remains unclear. Sutton analyzed that since unmanned submarines do not need to accommodate crew, there is no theoretical need to build them so large, suggesting that this submarine might be manned.
From satellite images, the submarine appears to be equipped with torpedo tubes and a towed sonar array, indicating offensive capabilities, possibly for hunting enemy ships or submarines. Another possibility is that it is designed for special forces operations or undersea warfare.
Regardless, the true purpose of this mysterious submarine remains to be seen, and China’s ongoing acceleration in naval development will undoubtedly continue to draw attention from military experts worldwide.
