China reportedly launches second massive mother-ship for giant underwater drones

Satellite photos and Weibo posts reveal that China is already constructing a second mother-ship for gigantic unmanned underwater drones, this time near Guangzhou on the Pearl River. The vessel, roughly 150 metres long, mirrors the design of the earlier 200-metre ship built in Shanghai, featuring vertical structures at the stern that analysts believe are intended to launch large drones. Compared with the first ship, the new hull includes six lift arms instead of twelve and still lacks key systems such as communications equipment.

Defense expert H.I. Sutton told Naval News that the size of the hangar makes civilian use unlikely, suggesting a dedicated drone-submarine role. The drones themselves can operate autonomously for months, lay mines, conduct seabed surveillance and attack enemy submarines, and are significantly larger than comparable U.S. and U.K. models. The shipyard responsible has a history of building Chinese warships, but Chinese authorities have not confirmed the vessels' mission or operator.