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By (https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway) Tyler Rogoway Published Oct 18, 2026 2:31 PM EDT (second-chinese-submarine-drone-mothership-emerges.html#comments) 0 (https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=twz.com) Add TWZ (opens Google in a new window or tab) More information Adding us as a Preferred Source in Google by using this link indicates that you would like to see more of our content in Google News results. (China has built a second submarine drone mothership.) Via Chinese internet The TWZ Newsletter Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy. (handle_newsletter_email_submission) (d88dacfd8e) (TWZInline) (0) Email address (Enter your email) (Please enter a valid email address) Sign Up Thank you! (https://recurrent.io/terms-and-conditions/) Terms of Service and(https://recurrent.io/privacy-policy/) Privacy Policy Nearly a month ago, we (https://www.twz.com/sea/new-evidence-china-is-building-a-massive-mothership-for-drone-submarines) reported on a uniquely configured vessel that was far along in its construction at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard on Changxing Island in Shanghai. The intentions behind this design appeared to be as an (https://www.twz.com/category/unmanned-underwater-vehicles) uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) mothership, capable of deploying a handful of very large vehicles or many more smaller ones via its stern garage door and well deck. Its large pylons would be used to lift the vessels up and down out of the water and to different levels in the ship. Now it appears China has not just one, but two of these vessels nearly complete. Make sure to read our initial report on this vessel configuration for full context by clicking (https://www.twz.com/sea/new-evidence-china-is-building-a-massive-mothership-for-drone-submarines) here . () (Chinese Internet) The new image was taken in Guangzhou and the vessel has a near identical shape, but with smaller proportions and minor changes to its overall moldline, compared to the larger one in Shanghai. This new vessel appears to be about a third smaller overall than its counterpart. The lift towers number six in total instead of six larger ones and six smaller ones on the Shanghai vessel. Regardless, the major design features are all there, including the flight deck and hangar behind the forward superstructure, the location of the smokestacks, and so on. () The larger but very similar in configuration UUV mothership that has now been launched in Shanghai. (Chinese Internet) While two of these assets could still be considered largely intended for experimental use, a growing fleet would have increasing tactical and even strategic importance. Being able to easily launch and recover large numbers of UUVs, or a few very large ones, far from Chinese shores would provide an asymmetric capability. A fleet of ships that is dedicated to deploying, recovering, and tending to these systems, some of which can remain on patrol for very long periods, would be a major indication of how important China sees UUV operations as part of its future strategy. (03 September 2025, China, Peking: Unmanned underwater drones ride along on military transporters at Tiananmen Square in Beijing during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Photo: Johannes Neudecker/dpa (Photo by Johannes Neudecker/picture alliance via Getty Images)) 03 September 2025, China, Beijing: HSU100 uncrewed underwater drones ride along on military transporters at Tiananmen Square in Beijing during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Photo: Johannes Neudecker/picture alliance via Getty Images picture alliance There have been rumors that these vessels are part of a larger overall program that will see more ships with similar capabilities constructed. Once again, this would be a strong indication that these vessels’ utility will go beyond testing and limited operational use cases. The launch and recovery of large UUVs remains a conceptual work in progress for the U.S., with nothing similar in the U.S. Navy’s inventory, as we (https://www.twz.com/sea/new-evidence-china-is-building-a-massive-mothership-for-drone-submarines) discussed in our original post . Large long-range UUVs can be used for many tasks, from mapping the sea floor to (https://www.twz.com/sea/torpedo-fired-from-uncrewed-submarine-for-the-first-time-by-u-s-u-k) hunting submarines and ships to searching for mines to launching cruise missiles and (https://www.twz.com/sea/drone-mini-submarine-that-attaches-itself-to-other-vessels-unveiled-by-lockheed) drones to being (https://www.twz.com/category/status-6-poseidon) turned into immensely destructive weapons in their own right that can circumvent traditional strategic defenses. For China, providing a credible threat to America’s outposts deep in the Pacific and even the U.S. seaboard would be on the table. (An AJX002 unmanned underwater vehicles is seen during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on September 3, 2025. (Photo by Greg Baker / AFP) (Photo by GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images)) An AJX002 uncrewed underwater vehicle is seen during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on September 3, 2025. (Photo by Greg Baker / AFP) GREG BAKER There is speculation online as to where exactly this vessel was built. The first place that came to mind is Guangzhou Shipyard International’s (GSI) facilities on Longxue Island, just southeast of the city of Guangzhou. GSI is a subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). It is here that many of China’s most unique vessels are born. These include (https://www.twz.com/news-features/our-best-look-yet-chinas-new-stealthy-trimaran-drone-ship) drone test ships of (https://www.twz.com/sea/detailed-deck-view-emerges-of-chinas-mysterious-aircraft-carrier-like-ship) various kinds , (https://www.twz.com/sea/our-best-look-yet-at-chinas-new-invasion-barges) massive beach landing barges , and (https://www.twz.com/sea/china-is-building-a-monster-supply-ship-for-its-carrier-groups) giant supply ships . Upon closer review of archival satellite imagery, we can say for certain that GSI did build this ship. An image from October 2nd shows it peeking out of a covered graving yard area at the facility prior to launch. ({"properties": {"satellite_azimuth": -94.52266540871726, "satellite_elevation": 58.39625883531322, "sun_azimuth": 249.32095423698593, "sun_elevation": 33.00218550744084}}) PHOTO © 2026 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION The emergence of two of these large UUV tenders in such a short period of time underscores China’s major bet on the technologies they will support. If more ships are added to the currently known fleet of two, a clearer picture of the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s large UUV plans, and its expeditionary potential, will come into focus. Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com (https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway) (Tyler Rogoway Avatar) (https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway) Tyler Rogoway Editor-in-Chief Tyler’s passion is the study of military technology, strategy, as well as foreign policy, and he has fostered a dominant voice on those topics in the defense and national security space. Tyler was the creator of the hugely popular defense site Foxtrot Alpha before developing TWZ , which he continues to lead as the Editor-In-Chief to this day. (https://twitter.com/Aviation_Intel) (https://www.twz.com/category/around-the-globe) Around The Globe (https://www.twz.com/category/china) China (https://www.twz.com/category/indo-pacific) Indo-Pacific (https://www.twz.com/category/news-features) News & Features Loading comments… Comments couldn’t be loaded. Please refresh the page. Latest in People's Liberation Army Navy (China) (https://www.twz.com/sea/new-evidence-china-is-building-a-massive-mothership-for-drone-submarines) (For the past six months or so, a curious-looking vessel with a very boxy superstructure has been taking shape at a shipyard in the Chinese city of Shanghai.) (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-navy) People's Liberation Army Navy (China) (https://www.twz.com/sea/new-evidence-china-is-building-a-massive-mothership-for-drone-submarines) China Appears To Be Building A Mothership For Large Uncrewed Submarines Recent satellite imagery shows a host of highly specialized features on the ship that's under construction, as well as a large cradle sitting beside it. By (https://www.twz.com/authors/joseph-trevithick) Joseph Trevithick 5:10 PM September 24, 2026 (https://www.twz.com/sea/chinese-next-generation-submarine-developments-spotted-in-new-satellite-imagery) (Recent satellite imagery of a shipyard in northeastern China offers interesting new insights into the country's next-generation submarine developments.) (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-navy) People's Liberation Army Navy (China) (https://www.twz.com/sea/chinese-next-generation-submarine-developments-spotted-in-new-satellite-imagery) Chinese Next-Generation Submarine Developments Spotted In New Satellite Imagery A Chinese submarine now taking shape at Bohai Shipyard has a number of significant features and offers new insights into China's undersea ambitions. By (https://www.twz.com/authors/joseph-trevithick) Joseph Trevithick , (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick 8:29 PM September 21, 2026 () The TWZ Newsletter Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy. (https://twz.beehiiv.com/) Sign Up By signing up you agree to our(https://recurrent.io/terms-and-conditions/) Terms of Service and(https://recurrent.io/privacy-policy/) Privacy Policy. More (https://www.twz.com/news-features/new-chinese-mystery-flattop-emerges) (An example of an entirely new class of Chinese vessel with a large open flight deck has emerged at a shipyard in the southeastern end of the country.) (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-navy) People's Liberation Army Navy (China) (https://www.twz.com/news-features/new-chinese-mystery-flattop-emerges) New Chinese Mystery Flattop Emerges By (https://www.twz.com/authors/joseph-trevithick) Joseph Trevithick (https://www.twz.com/sea/new-evidence-china-is-building-a-massive-mothership-for-drone-submarines) (For the past six months or so, a curious-looking vessel with a very boxy superstructure has been taking shape at a shipyard in the Chinese city of Shanghai.) (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-navy) People's Liberation Army Navy (China) (https://www.twz.com/sea/new-evidence-china-is-building-a-massive-mothership-for-drone-submarines) China Appears To Be Building A Mothership For Large Uncrewed Submarines By (https://www.twz.com/authors/joseph-trevithick) Joseph Trevithick (https://www.twz.com/sea/chinese-barge-usable-for-potential-taiwan-beach-landings-seen-in-action-in-new-image) (An image has appeared showing a Chinese commercial roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ferry linked to a temporary pier via a barge with jack-up supports. This follows the emergence of satellite imagery showing multiple similar, but different jack-up barges in various stages of construction at a shipyard in southeastern China.) (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-navy) People's Liberation Army Navy (China) (https://www.twz.com/sea/chinese-barge-usable-for-potential-taiwan-beach-landings-seen-in-action-in-new-image) Chinese Barge Usable For Potential Taiwan Beach Landings Seen In Action In New Image By (https://www.twz.com/authors/joseph-trevithick) Joseph Trevithick (https://www.twz.com/news-features/our-best-look-yet-chinas-new-stealthy-trimaran-drone-ship) (Clearer views of a new Chinese trimaran uncrewed surface vessel (USV) have emerged, highlighting a number of interesting low-observable (stealthy) and other features.) (https://www.twz.com/category/china) China (https://www.twz.com/news-features/our-best-look-yet-chinas-new-stealthy-trimaran-drone-ship) China’s New Stealthy Trimaran Drone Ship: Our Best Look Yet (Updated) By (https://www.twz.com/authors/joseph-trevithick) Joseph Trevithick (https://www.twz.com/sea/detailed-deck-view-emerges-of-chinas-mysterious-aircraft-carrier-like-ship) (Additional photos provide a much more detailed look at the mysterious Chinese flattop that TWZ was first to report on, and which recently went to sea, apparently for its first trials. While the function of this vessel remains unknown, the recently published photos do confirm that it’s intended to operate rotary-wing aircraft (perhaps in addition to fixed-wing drones), but there are no obvious signs of catapults or arrester cables of the kind that would be used for operating heavier fixed-wing types. There is also no indication that the vessel has a floodable well-deck like those found on many amphibious warfare ships.) (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-navy) People's Liberation Army Navy (China) (https://www.twz.com/sea/detailed-deck-view-emerges-of-chinas-mysterious-aircraft-carrier-like-ship) Detailed Deck View Emerges Of China’s Mysterious Aircraft Carrier-Like Ship By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick (https://www.twz.com/sea/chinas-wacky-and-puzzling-new-aircraft-carrier-has-set-sail) (A mysterious Chinese vessel with a large open flight deck, which TWZ was first to report on, looks to have made its maiden voyage.) (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-navy) People's Liberation Army Navy (China) (https://www.twz.com/sea/chinas-wacky-and-puzzling-new-aircraft-carrier-has-set-sail) China’s Wacky And Puzzling New Aircraft Carrier Has Set Sail By (https://www.twz.com/authors/joseph-trevithick) Joseph Trevithick (https://www.twz.com/sea/china-is-building-a-monster-supply-ship-for-its-carrier-groups) (A very large and interesting-looking vessel is taking shape at a shipyard in southeastern China. What can be seen of it so far points strongly to it being the largest naval resupply ship anywhere in the world.) (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-navy) People's Liberation Army Navy (China) (https://www.twz.com/sea/china-is-building-a-monster-supply-ship-for-its-carrier-groups) China Is Building A Monster Supply Ship For Its Carrier Groups By (https://www.twz.com/authors/joseph-trevithick) Joseph Trevithick (https://www.twz.com/sea/our-best-look-yet-at-chinas-new-invasion-barges) (More imagery has appeared of China’s new ‘invasion barge,’ which involves a temporary pier that can be connected to other vessels via a barge, or series of barges, with jack-up supports. The development of jack-up barges is widely seen as part of preparations for a possible invasion of Taiwan. On the other hand, they also reflect the growing use of ostensibly non-military maritime assets to support amphibious operations by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).) (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-navy) People's Liberation Army Navy (China) (https://www.twz.com/sea/our-best-look-yet-at-chinas-new-invasion-barges) Our Best Look Yet At China’s New ‘Invasion Barges’ By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick (https://www.twz.com/category/sea) SEE MORE (https://www.twz.com/) (TWZ Logo) The TWZ Newsletter Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy. (handle_newsletter_email_submission) (d88dacfd8e) (TWZInline) (0) Email address (Enter your email) (Please enter a valid email address) Sign Up Thank you! 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