China Debuts Powerful Stealth Drone Ship “Killer Whale” With Advanced Warfare Capabilities

China has unveiled a new high-tech military vessel named the Killer Whale, a stealth drone ship designed to transform naval operations.

The vessel had its public debut at the Zhuhai Airshow, where it was displayed alongside a range of aerial drones.

The Killer Whale, developed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), is a game changer in modern warfare with capabilities that put it ahead of its competitors.

This trimaran drone ship has a displacement of 500 tonnes and is designed to operate independently for long durations on open seas.

The Killer Whale can reach speeds of up to 40 knots (74km/h) with a dual diesel and electric propulsion system. It boasts an impressive range of over 7,400 kilometers (4,000 nautical miles).

The vessel is equipped with an array of weapons, including anti-ship and anti-air missiles, rockets and torpedoes. It also has a helicopter pad.

The ship is described as an all-rounder warrior capable of undertaking various missions, including surveillance patrols, anti-submarine operations, air-defense, and even rescue operations.

According to military analysts, the vessel’s versatility and range make it well-suited for strategic missions in narrow waterways. Military experts believe that the ship could be a perfect fit for countries in the Middle East.

Liang Guoliang, a Hong-Kong based military analyst, says China’s unmanned ships, like the Killer Whale, cater to the specific needs and budgets of these nations, as they do not require large warships for regional operations.

Guoliang added that Beijing plans to establish Zhuhai as the global hub for purchasing Chinese military technologies.

The Chinese government is continuously increasing its efforts to develop unmanned vessels and submarines to catch up, if not surpass, the United States in unmanned military technology.

China began working on large uncrewed stealth vessels in 2015 and has since tested several prototypes.

In June 2022, it unveiled a 100-tonne drone ship, and smaller drone vessels have also been built for specific missions.

According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, the U.S. is developing unmanned corvette-sized ships capable of carrying up to 32 missiles.

Reference: SCMP