China has recently revealed an unusual naval vessel that blends characteristics of both a surface ship and a submarine, sparking considerable speculation among defense analysts.
Photographs from the Huangpu shipyard in Guangzhou show a dark, slender trimaran-style craft with a small sail-like structure and markings that resemble immersion or depth indicators, suggesting it may be capable of operating partially or fully below the surface, according to reports.
Because its superstructure is minimal and no clear missile tubes, hangars, or crew spaces are visible, experts believe it could be an unmanned or minimally crewed platform. The vessel’s purpose remains unclear, but several theories have emerged.
Semi-submersible arsenal ship
It might be a semi-submersible arsenal ship capable of launching missiles before slipping underwater, a drone-deployment platform for aerial or underwater systems, a covert transport for special-operations missions in littoral environments, or simply a testbed for new hybrid naval technologies.
The lack of official information adds to the mystery, but the craft’s appearance underscores China’s willingness to experiment with unconventional designs that could complicate detection and tracking by rival navies. As more imagery and operational details emerge, observers will be watching for hints about whether this is an isolated prototype or the first step toward a new class of stealthy, adaptive maritime platforms.
Unique propulsion system
The vessel’s submarine-like attributes are perhaps even more pronounced. These features may also include a propulsor at the rear, which would point to a pump-jet being fitted, a possible feature noted by Alex Luck, a journalist who closely follows the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Pump-jets offer an array of advantages over traditional propellers, above all the ability to reach higher speeds without noisy cavitation — this means they can transit long distances around much more stealthily, reported The War Zone.
More obvious in this view is the submarine-like sail, which is fitted with a snorkel or possibly an antenna mast.
Weeks ago, the vessel was first widely observed in satellite imagery of the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Huangpu Shipyard in Guangzhou. The hull appears to be around 65 metres in length. Its hull design is a trimaran — a slender central hull with outriggers — which is uncommon for traditional submarines or surface warships.
The vessel is painted in a dark grey or black color, reminiscent of submarine camouflage or low-visibility coatings. Its profile combines elements typical of both submarines and surface ships.
The superstructure is minimal and narrow, suggesting little space for a traditional crew, large radar/sensor arrays, or living quarters, according to the report.
Some analysts believe the vessel may use a pump-jet propulsor rather than a conventional open-propeller. Pump-jets are quieter (less cavitation), which would support stealthy movement, especially underwater or near-surface.
A leading theory is that this is the semi-submersible arsenal ship which has been speculated would be built. Rumours of this emerged on the Chinese internet in 2017. Although hung from published scientific research, much of the reporting at the time was highly speculative. Stories blended fan art with rehashed U.S. Navy ideas of arsenal ships, the concept of a vessel designed solely to carry a large quantity of land-attack missiles. Possibly China has finally built one, reported Naval News.
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