China moves its previously undisclosed ‘monster’ submarines for the first time, with a worrying surprise
The Asian giant is testing unmanned submarines that surpass those of the West. Their deployment in the South China Sea marks a strategic naval shift.
China has made significant strides in the unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) race, developing underwater drones that surpass the size of Western models. Each unit measures over 40 meters, outclassing even the American XLUUV.
The two new unmanned submarines are currently being tested in the South China Sea near Hainan, operating from temporary bases in Gangmen Harbor. Unlike smaller XLUUVs, these massive drones are housed in floating docks, which simplify deployment and retrieval while protecting them from the elements.
One such dock, Zhuan Yong Fu Chuan Wu 001, built in 2024, transported the submarines to Hainan, where they have been observed during testing. Their deployment method confirms their status as unmanned platforms, yet their size and capabilities suggest roles far more complex than those of traditional XLUUVs.
Speculation indicates that these new drones can carry more weapons and sensors than earlier models, using advanced artificial intelligence to process data autonomously. Their design features X-shaped rudders and lacks traditional underwater sails, pointing to an innovative approach to both construction and propulsion.
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Naval analysts caution that these submarines could shift the strategic balance, giving China new capabilities and signaling its willingness to adopt technologies that could transform submarine warfare—challenging the perception that its naval industry lags behind the West.
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