China is putting more advanced stealth drones, aircraft carriers, and book unmanned underwater vehicles ( UUV) in its military arsenal, which would indicate a move to a drone-focused naval strategy in the wake of a potential US-led Taiwan conflict.
The People’s Liberation Army-N)’s ( PLA-N) future air wings have been spotted in mockups of China’s stealthy GJ-11 Sharp Sword unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV ) at a site on Changxing Island in Shanghai, according to a report from The War Zone this month.
The templates, sited near the development of the Model 076 marine ship, suggest preparations for aircraft and amphibious assault ship operations, The War Zone statement said.
The report notes that the GJ- 11, known for its stealth capabilities, may considerably improve China’s marine aviation, especially with the PLA- N’s newest carriers and large deck amphibious assault ships. The site may also be used as a testing and training facility for board controlling and maneuvering of the UCAVs, according to it.
The War Zone notes the importance of the GJ- 11 vehicle’s proximity to China’s marine shipyards, highlighting its significance in China’s military expansion, especially regarding carrier- based variants and uncrewed aircraft.
The Changxing Island site’s GJ- 11 mockups, while not specifically linked to marine ambitions, clearly demonstrates China’s commitment to advance its provider and amphibious assault ship capabilities with covert jet-powered drones.
Additionally, Asia Times reported this month that China’s Model 076 amphibious assault ship can house UCAVs and another fixed-wing drones that transport aircraft and assault forces in a possible Taiwan conflict.
Built at the Hudong- Zhonghua factory in Shanghai, the Type 076 signifies a significant development in China’s marine style. It bridges the area between the nation’s biggest marine war vessel, the Type 075, and its cutting- border aircraft carrier, the Fujian.
The Type 076 is about 864 feet long and 141 feet wide, with a more extensive flight deck than previous models. It might also have electromagnetic catapults and arresting gear, indicating a shift toward a naval strategy that is more focused on drones.
Compared to conventional aircraft carriers, drone carriers have advantages over conventional aircraft carriers in terms of power projection. These benefits are made possible by enabling unmanned aerial operations to go far beyond national borders, thereby allowing for more tactical, operational, and strategic options.
Unmanned systems are also safer, more cost- effective and suitable for high- risk missions. Drone carriers provide a practical and affordable way for middle-income countries that lack land-based facilities to increase aerial capabilities over long distances. However, drones have limitations in settings with robust air defense systems and electronic warfare capabilities.
China is likely to use drone swarms from land and sea to overthrow Taiwan’s air defenses in a potential conflict, which could lead to more powerful airs and missile launches and a potential amphibious assault.
China is also working on a new kind of underwater drone that, if it is developed after the prototype stage, will give the PLA-N new underwater warfare options and options.
South China Morning Post (SCMP ) reported this month that China has developed a soft-body UUV that moves in a manner that resembles manta rays.
SCMP points out that despite initially being small and being used for monitoring coral reefs, work is being done to create a bigger model with integrated reconnaissance and strike roles. According to the report, the larger models will be able to expand their range and endurance, collect more data, and be clustered together.
It mentions that the UUV is fitted with cameras, sonar and the BeiDou navigation system, enabling it to transmit real- time video and location information to scientists, with an impressive feat of reaching a 1, 000- meter depth.
SCMP points out that the UUV will have special gel coatings to address biofouling problems and stop microorganism attachment that could harm its performance.
A similar US project may have inspired China’s UUV. The US Manta Ray UUV, which is referred to as an “extra- large glider,” was first described as an “extra- large glider” in April 2024, and is equipped with rear propellers for propulsion. It mimics the movement of a manta ray.
The UUV is said to be geared toward long-range missions in challenging ocean environments and has an autonomous operating system. It uses the thermal gradient of the ocean to support longer missions and has novel “data bubbles” for sending large amounts of data to satellites or ships, increasing its operational independence.
The source notes that while the UUV’s exact dimensions and launch methods remain undisclosed, its manufacturer, Northrop Grumman, emphasizes the system’s ease of shipment and assembly worldwide.
These developments may be integrated into a larger, drone-focused military strategy intended for a quick and decisive victory in a small-scale operation. This strategy could involve seizing one of Taiwan’s frontline islands, Kinmen and Penghu, in conjunction with a blockade of the main island.
In a report from Asia Times in February 2024, China revealed a plan to modernize its military strategies by incorporating cutting-edge drone technology, focusing on their use for special operations in potential wartimes, such as a Taiwan conflict with the US.
Scientists are working with the PLA to develop drones that can land on top for an extended period of time and travel long distances.
In a hypothetical 2035 scenario, the PLA plans a limited conflict with a neighboring country using small arms, boats, drones and anti- aircraft guns. They aim to attack crucial enemy installations, including command and supply centers deep within enemy territory, quickly and covertly.
Special operations UAVs need to operate alone or in groups, fly at low altitudes, navigate obstacles, engage beyond visual range and eliminate enemy forces.
Inspired by US military tactics, the PLA requires advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems to hover over the battlefield after a first strike, evaluate the damage, and decide if more action is necessary.