Satellite imagery has revealed that China is building a new mothership in Shanghai that is believed to be the first of its kind, potentially capable of carrying and deploying four large uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) for long-range missions.
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According to The Telegraph, the vessel is under construction at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai. Images released by U.S. defense intelligence company Vantor show a distinctive red vessel under construction at the facility.
China has previously built large amphibious assault ships at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard. It is also the first known country to develop uncrewed underwater vehicles of this size, commonly described as extra-extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XXLUUVs).
Underwater warfare expert H I Sutton, writing for Naval News, said the most likely explanation is that the vessel is a dedicated mothership for uncrewed submarines. Based on its size and configuration, he estimated that it could carry at least four Chinese XXLUUVs.
Advanced Capabilities
China has already tested two types of very large uncrewed underwater vehicles near Hainan Island in the South China Sea. The two observed designs are approximately 35 and 45 meters (115 and 148 feet) long, making them around six to eight times the overall size of the U.S. Navy’s Orca XLUUV.
Sutton said the new mothership appears to have an internal hangar where the underwater vehicles could be stored, along with a stern well deck and a system designed to lower and recover the vehicles.
The ship’s size and internal hangar have led analysts to question whether it has a civilian or research role. Naval News assessed that the vessel is most likely intended to serve as a mobile support, maintenance, launch and recovery platform for China’s large uncrewed submarines.
The exact capabilities and intended missions of the XXLUUVs remain unclear. Analysts have suggested that their large size could allow them to undertake long-endurance missions and potentially carry substantial payloads.
Underwater Drone Race
China’s development of XXLUUVs appears to place it at the forefront of large autonomous underwater systems. The U.S. Navy’s Orca XLUUV is significantly smaller, while Britain has been developing its own large uncrewed underwater vehicle, known as XV Excalibur, under the Cetus program.
The Chinese vehicles are believed to be designed for long-range operations. Naval News has reported that their eventual roles could include missions conducted far from China, although their exact operational purpose remains uncertain.
China has also expanded its broader naval drone capabilities. During its 2025 military parade, Beijing displayed several uncrewed naval systems, including the HSU100 and AJX002 underwater vehicles.
Beijing’s Message
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said in a speech on Wednesday that China should “keep in mind the lessons of history” and remain vigilant against what he described as manifestations of hegemony, militarism and historical distortion.
The Telegraph reported that some analysts interpreted the remarks as an indirect reference to Japan, amid continuing tensions between Beijing and Tokyo over security and defense issues.
The new mothership remains under construction, and China has not publicly confirmed its purpose or capabilities. Current assessments are based primarily on satellite imagery and expert analysis, meaning its final role will become clearer only after further construction, sea trials and possible deployment.
