“A 43-meter-long monster: China unveils the largest submarine drone ever built”

In a groundbreaking unveiling at the Zhuhai Airshow in November 2024, China has unveiled a truly massive submarine drone – one that challenges the very concept of what an underwater drone can be. Officially marketed as a “small unmanned submarine for special operations,” the vehicle is actually something far more impressive. Designed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), this drone is said to be the largest of its kind ever built, and its size rivals certain manned submarines.

This formidable underwater machine is poised to play a central role in military operations, capable of everything from attacking enemy ships to laying mines to supporting special operations. Due to its exceptional size, it can even serve as a “mother ship” for smaller drones, making it a versatile tool for underwater warfare.

A size like no other: 43 meters of underwater power

Let’s talk numbers. This submarine drone is between 38 and 43 meters long, depending on the configuration. This is a serious size and is therefore in the order of magnitude of manned submarines such as the German attack submarine “Type 206”. Although still slightly smaller than the Type 206, it is larger than North Korea’s Sang-O class, both of which require human crews to operate.

When you consider that the world’s current largest underwater drones are the Boeing-developed Orca drones, measuring just 26 meters long, it becomes clear that China’s CSSC has pushed the boundaries of what was previously thought possible. With this new ship, China has set new standards in both size and performance in the underwater drone category.

Versatility: A tool for special operations and beyond

From the outside, the drone has a relatively traditional design, with a slim fuselage and a low dorsal hump instead of a traditional fin. However, the real surprises lie within. According to models on display at the Zhuhai Airshow, the interior of the drone is equipped to carry a range of torpedoes and missiles. A model known as “Type A” can carry between eight and twelve torpedoes or missiles, while the “Type B” variant is designed to carry six to eight specialist divers. The “Type C” model is now specifically designed for minelaying and transporting smaller drones.

This highly configurable design underlines the versatility of the vehicle. It can be adapted to various missions, from offensive strikes to covert operations, making it a highly flexible asset for military planners.

Impressive technical data: speed, range and depth

From a logistical perspective, the drone is an engineering feat due to its sheer size and weight Wonder. On the surface it weighs between 380 and 450 tons and can dive to depths of 300 to 450 meters. Underwater it can reach speeds of up to 20 knots (about 37 km/h), but on the surface it moves slower, reaching a top speed of 8 knots (14 km/h).

Its range is equally impressive: it can travel up to 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km) underwater, and even more amazingly, it has a surface range of 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km). This extended range makes it ideal for long-duration missions and can potentially operate in deep-water environments for extended periods without having to return to base.

Changing the future of underwater drones

With these exceptional specifications the new Chinese submarine drone is capable of redefining the future of undersea warfare. Whether it’s reconnaissance, mine laying or payload transport, its size and flexibility make it a powerful tool for any naval force.

In comparison, the best-known drone of this type to date, the Orca from Boeing, is nowhere near the size and performance of the Chinese ship. At 26 meters long, the Orca was already considered a giant in the world of underwater drones, but CSSC’s new model dwarfs it and shows that the race to become the world’s most advanced submarine drone is far from over .

As military technologies continue to develop, we are likely to see even more advances in unmanned underwater vehicles, and this new Chinese submarine drone is a clear indication of where we are headed. Whether for strategic defense or offensive operations, the future of naval warfare may well be underwater and unmanned.

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