A new terahertz-based underwater monitoring approach, according to Chinese researchers, may present a major new challenge to US underwater operations and extended deterrence guarantees, along with improvements in sensor and drone technology.
China has tested the first submarine-detecting terahertz device based on next-generation communication technology, according to The South China Morning Post( SCMP ) from last month. The Chinese-language peer-reviewed Journal of Radars published the results of experts from China’s National University of Defense Technology next month.
The system detected extremely small surface vibrations, some as small as 10 nanometers apparently coming from a low-frequency sound source in the open ocean. These waves can aid in the discovery of submarines and the gathering of crucial information, such as vibration signatures that can be used to determine the type of a submarine. The technology” may have substantial application potential in marine vessel monitoring and other places ,” according to the research team.
A speed range between micro and ultraviolet radiation is called terahertz. For future 6G communication systems, which is expected to offer theoretical maximum speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G, it has been suggested as a possible alternative for achieving higher information transmission and small latency.
In some Chinese airports, kilohertz monitoring equipment is already being used to find illegal items that might be hidden beneath a passenger’s clothing.
According to the SCMP review, the research team found it difficult to produce effective terahertz signals, which was a difficult task. However, scientists in China and other countries have recently made major advancements in the large application of 6G technology as a result of increased investment in it.
Recent developments in sub detection technology in China have also had considerable operational and strategic ramifications.
A very delicate underwater detection system that can pick up even the tiniest remnants of superior ships from great distances was developed by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, according to a report by Asia Times next month.
The China Ship Scientific Research Center, known for its history of being at the head of ship and sea executive improvements, published the research team’s findings in the peer-reviewed Chinese Journal of Ship Research.
The program uses computer modeling to assess the likelihood of detecting nuclear submarines’ very simple bubbles, which are much more sensitive than those of sophisticated magnetic anomaly detectors.
Cavitation bubble electromagnetic emissions change over time and produce a distinctive signal in the very low frequency( ELF ) range. Given that modern ASW uses active and passive sonar along with magnetic anomaly detection ( MAD ) to extract submarine signals from ocean noise, this discovery may fundamentally alter anti-submarin warfare ( ASW ) operations.
These cutting-edge technologies may hasten the use of robots in ASW operations. Due to their low cost, remote operation capability, strength, and stealth, drones provide a practical solution to enhance ASW missions, significantly increasing their effectiveness.
Drone integration into ASW operations has emerged as a promising alternative to counter growing marine threats, according to Marcin Frckiewicz in an article for TS2 published in April 2023.
According to Frckiewicz, drones have a number of benefits, such as increased flying stamina, ongoing monitoring and recon capabilities, and stealth. He says that they can be outfitted with sophisticated sensors and payloads, such as MAD, electro-optical / infrared ( EO / IR ) cameras, and synthetic aperture radar( SAR ), all of which can enhance their detection capabilities.
Drones, according to Frckiewicz, make it easier for people operators to cover angry areas without endangering human lives. In ASW operations, where the risk of foe submarines is constantly current, he claims, this feature is especially advantageous. He continues by saying that because drones are more affordable, military forces can build more of them, broadening their reach and improving their general ASW features.
In keeping with this, Asia Times stated in September 2022 that China might intend to station its brand-new, massive robotic ships in the South China Sea. This action is in line with the most recent advancements in sensor technology and the advantages of using drones for ASW activities.
At Sanya Naval Base on Hainan Island, which geographically juts into the contentious South China Sea, two of China’s extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles( XLUUV ) were visible in satellite imagery. China may use the websites in upcoming naval operations, but its plans for the new subs are still unknown.
The second XLUUV measures about two feet wide and 16 meters long. Two neck propellers are positioned next to one another, and the front is modern. This suggests that the HSU-001 XLUUV, which was introduced in 2019, may remain connected to the vehicle.
The HSU-001 is primarily designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance( ISR ) purposes and can carry smaller UUVs, sensors, or naval mines. Without endangering manned surface ships or boats, it can also carry out anti-submarine operations by actively scouting out and tracking army submerged vessels.
The US may find it challenging to track and locate Chinese nuclear ballistic missile submarines( SSBN ) as they patrol the South China Sea as a result of these developments. American nuclear strike boats( SSN) are reportedly already in use there. The USS Connecticut collided with an unknown headland in the disputed waters in November 2021, according to a report by the USNI.
Contrarily, the transparency of the oceans around the world has increased thanks to a variety of business technologies, including satellite imagery, manufactured orifice radar, and social media disseminated tracking. These technologies could jeopardize US SSBNs’ ability to survive, which would have a significant impact on US corporate stability, along with China’s advancements in ASW.
Ari Kattan notes in a 2019 report for the Center for Strategic and International Studies( CSIS ) that US adversary advances in ASW have the potential to undermine America’s long-term deterrence agreements, which have been successful in providing security guarantees to numerous NATO members since World War II.
According to Kattan, these assurances have deterred several countries from acquiring nuclear weapons, resulting in a global shortage of these weapons and lower potential for conflict between nuclear-armed state.
He does, however, point out that if the US had lost faith in its ability to launch next strikes, it would feel less safe and less willing to act in a warlike manner. This could have encouraged US allies to create their own nuclear weapons, which would have degraded the global nuclear nonproliferation regime and had unpredictable effects on global security.