A strange triple-island ship launch by China merely might indicate a significant change in naval energy projection and raise questions about its potential for dual use and function in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
The War Zone , has reported , that China’s latest mysterious vehicle, a special ship with three structures, has embarked on its maiden tour, raising questions about its function and style. The War Zone mentions that the fleet, which lacks common defense signs and characteristics commercial-style names, was constructed at Guangzhou Shipyard International’s infrastructure on Longxue Island.
According to the report, satellite pictures indicates that the vehicle was launched between September and October and that building had begun after May 2024. The report takes note of the carrier’s unique layout, which includes three island-like structures along the left side and a large, open, sensor-equipped flight deck.
The special three-island style may have been inspired by earlier multiple-island aircraft companies, such as the HMS Queen Elizabeth. The HMS Queen Elizabeth’s twin-island style allows for beach independence in case of an emergency, as well as a more effective use of the flight board and aircraft area, as well as the ability to separate aircraft operations from running the dispatch.
The HMS Queen Elizabeth’s twin-island style also demonstrates a paradigm change in provider energy, allowing smaller, more practical, and more effective provider designs.
The boat’s intended use is subject to numerous speculations, with options ranging from a civilian study ship to a dual-use system for military procedures, according to The War Zone. According to the report, the vessel’s quick production and innovative design make it possible to prototype for upcoming marine innovations or to provide training.
The ship’s owner and precise mission are still undetermined, according to the report, but its presence points to China’s expansion of naval capabilities and tactical ambitions, especially in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
In an article published in The Aviationist final month, Rin Sakurai claims that the style may be inspired by a Chinese state vessel condition that has been posted online since 2022.
Sakurai says the sweet specifies the vehicle to be 200 feet long, 25 feet wide at the trip board, and 15, 000 lots in displacement. It also stipulates that the vehicle may reach a maximum speed of 16 twists, have a range of 5, 000 nautical miles at 12 twists, and maintain at-sea strength for 40 weeks.
Sakurai mentions that the ship likely serves both civilian and military purposes despite the ship’s claim that its specific mission is ambiguous. He mentions that China’s new carrier, which is a type of amphibious assault ship, could conduct military operations if it needed while also having the capability to conduct scientific research. He says this dual-use trend is common, with civilian ships often involved in military activities.
China has built a unique vessel that could support drone operations before for this reason. In May 2024, Asia Times , reported , that China had launched the world’s first dedicated drone aircraft carrier, marking a significant shift in naval power projection, built at the Jiangsu Dayang Marine shipyard on the Yangtze River.
This drone carrier is smaller and has a wide-spaced catamaran hull with a low flight deck to support large fixed-wing UAVs, unlike traditional aircraft carriers. The ship’s design allows for cost-effective unmanned aerial operations, potentially transforming naval warfare by reducing reliance on manned aircraft.
This development is in line with China’s strategy to strengthen its military presence in crucial strategic areas like Taiwan and the South China Sea. At a fraction of the cost of traditional carriers, the ship can operate drones at sea, demonstrating China’s commitment to modernizing its naval arsenal and keeping a competitive edge in maritime conflicts.
To support operations in the Taiwan Strait or South China Sea, China may require larger vessels capable of carrying larger drones with greater range and payload.
In line with that possible requirement, Asia Times , mentioned , in October 2024 that China had unveiled its first known tiltrotor drone, the UR6000, designed to enhance military logistics and surveillance operations in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
The prototype, developed by United Aircraft, was revealed in October 2024 at the Wuhu Aviation Industrial Park in Anhui province. The drone is scheduled to be certified by 2027, having previously been unveiled at the Singapore Airshow earlier this year.
The UR6000, with a maximum takeoff weight of 6, 100 kilograms and a payload capacity of 2, 000 kilograms, combines a helicopter’s vertical takeoff capability with an airplane’s forward flight ability, allowing for higher speeds.
In the event of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, a drone can provide resupply operations. UR6000 drones can fly from China’s Type 76 amphibious assault ships or specialized drone carriers to support offensives to take Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung following the establishment of a beachhead in southern Taiwan and the surrounding Pingtung Airbase with airborne forces.
Instead of focusing so much power on a few potentially vulnerable ships, China’s new carrier might also be a light carrier whose construction and deployment adhere to the dispersion principle for survivability.
Aside from the UR6000, China’s new stealth fighters may operate from its new carrier. In July 2024, Asia Times , reported , that China is rapidly advancing its airpower by deploying the J-31B stealth fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Industry Group.
Unveiled in late June 2024, the J-31B is designed for carrier operations and is expected to be deployed on China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian. This fifth-generation fighter jet, an upgrade from the J-15, features advanced stealth capabilities, making it more challenging to detect by radar.
The J-31B has side weapon bays capable of carrying two missiles each, enhancing its combat capabilities. The Fujian, equipped with an electromagnetic catapult, allows the J-31B to carry more fuel and weapons, thus expanding its operational range. This development is in line with China’s strategic plans to boost its air and sea power, particularly in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
However, light carriers may have some significant limitations. They might experience an “offense-defense dilemma,” where adding more aircraft to an attack renders the carrier vulnerable, while holding on to the defense might help. Also, light carriers are just as vulnerable as larger carriers to anti-ship missiles, mines, and submarines.  ,