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Satellite imagery suggests China building 900-tonne drone submarine for YJ-20 hypersonic missiles

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Naval analysts examining satellite imagery have identified a Chinese vessel with an unusual triple-hull form, initially assessed as a semi-submersible but now evaluated as potentially fully submersible at an estimated displacement of around 900 tonnes. Naval News analysis suggests two large internal compartments could accommodate 16–18 YJ-20 anti-ship missiles, assessed at 1,500–2,000 km range with terminal speeds up to Mach 9—though neither the vessel’s role nor these performance figures have been officially confirmed. The operational concept, as described by Ukrainian defence media, is to approach submerged, surface to launch, then dive again, positioning an unmanned underwater missile launch capability well beyond China’s coastline.

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  • Telegram channel:Istoria Zbroi (Історія_Зброї) friendly Open the post
Topicsnaval dronesmissilesforeign involvement

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