Satellite imagery from the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai reveals that China is constructing what appears to be the world’s first dedicated mothership designed to deploy submarine drones. The vessel represents a major step forward in Beijing’s uncrewed underwater vehicle program, following earlier sightings of extra-extra large uncrewed underwater vehicles, or XXLUUVs, undergoing testing in Hainan.
Measuring between 35 and 45 meters long, these Chinese submersibles are significantly larger than comparable western designs like the U.S. Navy’s Boeing Orca XLUUV. While those smaller domestic prototypes have relied on floating docks for testing, the new ship points toward a more versatile, mobile platform for operational deployment, as reported by Naval News.
The vessel features a design resembling an amphibious landing ship equipped with an open-bottom stern well-deck and a large cradle lowered by twelve vertical jack-up arms. Forward of the well-deck sits a large internal hangar capable of housing approximately four XXLUUVs or a larger contingent of smaller craft. Analysts indicate the ship will function as both a mobile tender for maintenance and a launch-and-recovery platform for combat missions, potentially extending the operational reach of China’s heavy uncrewed submarine fleet.
Provisional illustration of the drone mothership based on observed facts as-of 14th September 2026.
