China continues to push the boundaries of military innovation, focusing heavily on strengthening its maritime capabilities. Among the latest developments, reports suggest that Beijing is secretly constructing what could be the world’s largest uncrewed submarine—one that lacks the traditional sail structure seen in conventional submarines.
Discovered at Guangzhou Shipyard, the vessel was spotted by defense analyst MT Anderson at a floating dock. Measuring approximately 148 feet in length and 15 feet in width, the boat’s design raises speculation about its purpose. Experts believe it resembles an extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV), similar to other autonomous military projects worldwide. Notably, China has been actively developing such systems, with Naval News reporting that the nation already has at least five types of these advanced submarines in operation. If the current reports hold, this new vessel could be significantly larger than the U.S. Navy’s Orca XLUUV—potentially six to eight times its size.
There is also speculation that this submarine may not be entirely unmanned. Some analysts suggest it could be a specialized deep-diving vessel, akin to Russia’s Losharik (AS-12), which operates alongside larger submarines for special seabed missions. The design, featuring X-shaped rudders, suggests stealth capabilities, which could allow it to conduct covert underwater operations.
The same Guangzhou Shipyard that built the JARI USV, an unmanned trimaran armed with missiles and advanced surveillance systems, is responsible for this mysterious vessel. In 2024, China also unveiled another advanced naval drone, the Orca, at Airshow China. The trimaran design of the Orca enhances its speed, stability, and operational range, proving China’s dedication to integrating high-tech unmanned solutions into its navy.
Naval expert HI Sutton remains cautious about drawing definitive conclusions on the new submarine’s role, noting that it is smaller than typical diesel-electric submarines but may still be equipped for combat. “It does appear to have torpedo tubes, and possibly a towed sonar array,” Sutton observed.
This suggests a range of potential applications, from targeting enemy ships and submarines to executing special forces missions or engaging in seabed warfare. However, China’s ultimate objective for the vessel remains unknown, and only time will reveal its true purpose.
