China innovates with ‘drone’ mothership, USVs and semi-submersible transports
An artist’s rendering of the Zhu Hai Yun maritime research vessel, which has potential to steer naval utilisation or even to conduct military tasks itself. (Tsinghua University)
China continues to invest heavily in new capabilities, with a 'drone mothership', new stealth USVs, semi-submersible mobile platforms and landing craft all appearing in recent weeks.
China launched what is claimed to be the world’s first ‘drone’ mothership – one designed to carry multiple UAVs, UUVs and USVs – in Guangzhou on 18 May.
The futuristic-looking 88.5m-long ship is christened Zhu Hai Yun, and it is believed it can carry up to 50 autonomous vehicles. It has a vast stern deck that can accommodate all manner of UUVs, USVs and UAVs.
The 2,000t vessel was constructed by the Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard, with work beginning in July 2021.
Huangpu is a subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), and this novel mothership was built alongside naval
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Poland contracts OSI for more navigation systems]()
Poland contracts OSI for more navigation systems
OSI’s solutions are used by a number of NATO allies.
-
![Australian navy acquires five Bluebottle USVs]()
Australian navy acquires five Bluebottle USVs
Australia steams ahead with new investment in indigenously developed USVs, plus a means of recovering/launching UUVs.
-
![First Type 26 frigate begins float-off]()
First Type 26 frigate begins float-off
The float-off of the first Type 26 frigate comes shortly after the UK MoD placed a long-awaited order for five further frigates, bringing the total contracted to eight.
-
![Harland & Wolff boss touts UK credentials of support ship win]()
Harland & Wolff boss touts UK credentials of support ship win
Harland & Wolff hopes investment in its yards and partnership with Navantia can help deliver three new ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary on time.
-
![UPDATED: The three boats in the running to be the Netherlands' next submarine]()
UPDATED: The three boats in the running to be the Netherlands' next submarine
Three European shipyards remain in contention to build four new submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy.
