China builds second mothership for underwater drones, satellite images show

Satellite imagery revealed a second Chinese vessel designed to support uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs), built at Guangzhou Shipyard International. It is smaller than a similar ship seen in Shanghai but shares a flight deck, hangar and six lifting towers. Missions and UUV types remain unconfirmed.

• Built at Guangzhou Shipyard International on Longxue Island
• October 2 image shows six lifting towers and a stern well deck
• Shanghai vessel has six large and six small towers
• Capacity and intended UUV types remain undisclosed