Satellite images show an unusual craft under construction that analysts say may be designed to deploy very large uncrewed submarines
3-MIN READ3-MINGabriel DominguezPublished: 6:00pm, 18 Sep 2026An unusual vessel taking shape at a Shanghai shipyard has been assessed as a possible mothership for China’s large uncrewed submarines – a capability that, if confirmed, could enable Beijing to operate the drones far from its own coast for sustained periods.
An experienced military imagery analyst who reviewed the same September 10 imagery for the South China Morning Post said he could independently identify the apparent stern launch-and-recovery system.
