The vessel, resembling a compact aircraft carrier, was spotted through satellite images dated May 6, Naval News reported.
After Fujian, China ‘Secretly Adds’ Dedicated UAV Carrier
The vessel, resembling a compact aircraft carrier, was spotted through satellite images dated May 6, Naval News reported. The ship is situated discreetly in a shipyard on the Yangtze River, away from the bustling maritime hubs of Shanghai. The revelation, corroborated by insights from J. Michael Dahm, a distinguished resident fellow specializing in aerospace and China studies at the Mitchell Institute in the US, signals China’s strategic foresight in harnessing unmanned aerial technologies for maritime operations.
Comparatively smaller than conventional aircraft carriers, this ship boasts a flight deck approximately one-third the length and half the width of its counterparts in the US Navy or the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy.
Its dimensions, notably shorter than those of China’s amphibious assault ships, which primarily deploy manned helicopters, suggest a deliberate adaptation to accommodate fewer helicopters or smaller aerial platforms, such as drones. Although capable of facilitating fixed-wing aircraft operations, its linear deck configuration poses operational challenges, precluding simultaneous take-off and landing — a feature commonplace on modern carriers.
However, the report indicates that the flight deck’s width is suitable for aircraft or drones with a wingspan of approximately 65 feet, akin to the Chinese equivalent of the Reaper drone. Drones typically operate within a limited range, restricting their deployment away from coastal regions. The acquisition of a carrier, therefore, would provide the Chinese navy with a more extensive and resilient network, enabling various types of drones to conduct attacks effectively.
The Emergence Of Drone Carriers
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, drones have emerged as formidable assets, offering unparalleled versatility and efficiency across various military domains. As navies worldwide seek advanced capabilities and strategic advantages, the integration of drones into maritime operations has become a prominent focus. China, renowned for its rapid technological advancements, made waves in 2022 with the launch of the Zhu Hai Yun, an unmanned ship touted for its remote-control capabilities and autonomous navigation prowess.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s foray into drone carrier technology has culminated in the commissioning of the TCG Anadolu (L-400) in April 2023. Iran, too, has joined the race, with reports first emerging in 2023 of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy converting the Shahid Mahdavi, a former container ship, into a drone carrier. The vessel is currently in active service with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
