China's Latest Military Drone is Stealthy and Submerged, Not Airborne

China continues to advance in high-tech unmanned systems, now expanding its expertise from aerial drones to underwater vehicles. During the Victory Day military parade in Beijing on September 3rd, the country revealed its newest innovation: an unmanned underwater drone system equipped with sophisticated intelligence capabilities.

The People's Liberation Army Navy's latest technology could significantly alter maritime operations. Reports indicate these drones can execute zero-radius turns, navigate complex sea environments with precision, and remain extremely difficult to detect, operating under 90 decibels. Designed to work collaboratively, these unmanned vessels can perform tasks such as obstructing shipping routes and executing targeted strikes. Their long operational endurance, along with the potential to recharge at underwater stations, further enhances their strategic value, according to the South China Morning Post.

Equipped with advanced autonomous systems, these drones are capable of identifying, evaluating, and engaging threats across diverse maritime scenarios.

Chinas underwater drones are particularly concerning because of their stealth and autonomous capabilities, which could challenge current global maritime security frameworks. Following the parade, China has continued to showcase more marine technologies focused on stealth, reinforcing its strategic posture in the region, especially concerning Taiwan, even in the face of potential U.S. intervention.

Alongside these innovations, the AJX002 unmanned minelaying system demonstrates China's growing ability to modernize its naval forces, potentially giving it an edge in future maritime conflicts.

The United States is also pursuing similar stealth technology. Northwestern Polytechnical Universitys School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering has developed a transparent, jellyfish-shaped underwater robot. Constructed from hydrogel electrodes, this device mimics jellyfish movement and appearance, making it difficult to detect while swimming. Equipped with a small camera, these robots can identify and track underwater targets discreetly.

Author: Sophia Brooks