China’s unusual submarine-ship hybrid has been seen clearly for the first time, revealing a design that merges features of a surface vessel with those of a submersible.

The image, now circulating widely online, appears to have been taken at the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Huangpu Shipyard in Guangzhou, where satellite imagery has tracked the craft for several months.

The vessel, believed to be around 65 metres (approximately 210 feet) in length, is built in a trimaran layout with a slender central hull and two outriggers. It is painted in a dark grey or black shade, more typical of submarines than surface warships.

Analysts noted that its superstructure is extremely minimal, with a narrow sail-like tower fitted with what appears to be a snorkel or an antenna mast, suggesting it may be able to operate partly or fully underwater.

Naval specialist H. I. Sutton had earlier drawn attention to the vessel when it was seen under tarpaulins in satellite imagery. Defence observers also highlighted that the craft’s shape and markings resemble a submersible platform, including depth indicators along the sail and hull.

They pointed out a propulsor at the stern, which some said may indicate the use of a pump-jet system. Analysts explained that pump-jets provide higher speeds with reduced cavitation, allowing quieter, long-range movement.

Breaking:

Unusual Black Trimaran Drone Ship Spotted In Chinese Shipyard

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— H I Sutton (@covertshores.bsky.social) October 29, 2025 at 3:05 PM

Uncertainty remains over whether it is crewed. Because no clear accommodations, missile tubes, or large sensor arrays are visible, experts believe it may be uncrewed or minimally crewed. If so, analysts suggested it could act as a hybrid between an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) and an uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV), effectively functioning as a semi-submersible.

Several theories have emerged regarding its purpose. One widely discussed idea is that it could be a semi-submersible arsenal ship, capable of carrying and launching land-attack or anti-ship missiles before descending below the surface.

Although no vertical launch systems have yet been observed on deck, analysts noted that rumours about such a vessel circulated in China as early as 2017, though much of the reporting at that time relied on unverified claims and speculative illustrations.

Another possibility, according to defence commentators, is that the trimaran could serve as a drone “mothership,” hosting aerial or underwater drones inside its hull. They said the vessel may not require a traditional flight deck if drones are launched using a rail or catapult system, similar to methods seen in the deployment of long-range attack drones.

Some analysts have also proposed that the platform could be intended for special operations forces. They added that Western militaries operate similar low-profile, semi-submersible craft to allow troops to move discreetly in coastal or island regions, raising the possibility that China is developing its own equivalent.

There is also the suggestion that the trimaran may simply be an experimental testbed.

References: ZeeNews, interestingengineering