Taiwan has introduced a formidable 100-ton submarine mothership, “Huilong” or “Smart Dragon,” designed to support spy and strike drones in the ocean. Captured by military enthusiasts and later shared by local media, new footage reveals intriguing details about this unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV).
The footage shows “Smart Dragon” being inspected by technicians under a floating shelter before being towed as a support vessel for sea trials. One notable feature is the presence of a pair of bow torpedo tubes, adding to speculation about its offensive capabilities. Additional details captured include a rear section that reveals the UUV’s propeller and an X-shaped rudder.
Taiwan’s Defense Minister previously confirmed the existence of the UUV, explaining it serves as a testbed for sonar and subsea mine operations, though it cannot operate independently and must be towed during trials. Developed in collaboration between the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology and Lung Teh Shipbuilding, “Smart Dragon” was initiated in 2020, displacing around 100 tons with dimensions of approximately 98 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 20 feet tall.
The UUV resembles a small submarine, capable of deploying its fleet of unmanned vehicles. If operational, it could vastly improve Taiwan’s surveillance, target acquisition, and strike capabilities. Its advanced sonar could also play a crucial role in tracking enemy submarines or surface vessels, particularly if conflict with China were imminent.
The apparent torpedo tubes suggest the potential for limited offensive capabilities, which, if accurate, could position “Smart Dragon” as a significant force multiplier for Taiwan’s defense strategy. Taiwan’s relatively small submarine fleet would benefit from these unmanned vehicles, which could assume high-risk reconnaissance or attack roles, allowing manned vessels to reduce their exposure to detection or enemy fire.
Overall, UUVs like “Smart Dragon” offer a cost-effective means to support asymmetric tactics, likely playing a key role in Taiwan’s defensive operations against a larger naval force.