China Develops Uncrewed Trimaran Submarine Designed To Carry Up To 18 Missiles

China is testing a new semi-submersible warship designed to carry multiple missiles and potentially operate without a crew, according to open-source analysis of the vessel. The platform has an unusual trimaran hull and is designed to surface before raising its missile tubes for launch.

The vessel is undergoing trials in Huludao on the Bohai Sea after being built in Guangzhou, southern China, and transported north through the port of Dalian earlier this year.

Satellite imagery and technical assessments suggest it could accommodate between 16 and 18 missile tubes, although the total number and intended weapons have not been officially confirmed.

The development adds another design to China’s expanding range of submarine and uncrewed naval platforms. However, the vessel has no publicly announced designation, and its operational role and status remain unclear.

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