China launches vessels potentially designed to support large UUVs

Two unusual Chinese vessels have emerged from separate shipbuilding sites with features analysts believe could support the deployment and recovery of large uncrewed underwater vehicles. A roughly 200-metre hull built in Shanghai has a prominent stern opening and hangar-like area, while images of a smaller, approximately 150-metre vessel near Guangzhou show similar stern structures. These arrangements could accommodate lifting or recovery equipment for very large UUVs, but neither ship's official designation, naval assignment nor intended mission has been confirmed. The launches therefore indicate a possible new support-ship design rather than proven operational underwater-drone motherships.