China develops uncrewed trimaran submarine with large missile capacity
The vessel could carry up to 18 missiles, including the YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship weapon, according to reports.
China is developing an uncrewed trimaran submarine that could carry up to 18 missiles, according to a report by the Times of India. The vessel, which is believed to be undergoing trials at Huludao, was identified through satellite imagery, Naval News reported.
The submarine uses an unconventional design with a central hull and two smaller outrigger hulls at the rear. This configuration is intended to provide stability when the vessel surfaces to raise its missile launch tubes into a vertical position for firing.
Naval News reported that the central hull has two large compartments for weapons, with missile tubes stored horizontally in circular clusters. While the vessel has at least eight launch tubes, its total capacity could reach 16 to 18 missiles.
Ship-design specialist Dr Rachel Pawling of K39 Consulting told Naval News that the vessel's submerged displacement is approximately 900 tonnes. The design and limited space suggest the platform may operate without a crew.
Defense Express suggested the submarine could carry YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missiles, which have a range of 1,500 to 2,000 km and terminal speeds near Mach 9. These missiles are designed to target major warships and aircraft carriers.
The platform could approach a launch area while submerged before surfacing to deploy its missiles. Operations may rely on targeting data from China's military surveillance network, including satellites and reconnaissance aircraft.
