Taiwan's Huilong unmanned submarine revealed with hidden torpedo launch capabilities.

According to information published by Liberty Times Net on October 23, 2024, recent developments surrounding the "Huilong" unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) have revealed that the platform may possess more capabilities than previously disclosed.
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Artist rendering of a submarine. (Picture source: Generated by AI)

Military enthusiasts recently captured photographs of the vessel docked in a floating dry dock, providing the first clear view of its submerged structure. Notably, the images revealed two torpedo launch tubes at the bow, suggesting a combat potential previously unconfirmed.

The "Huilong" UUV, a collaborative effort between Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) and Lungteh Shipbuilding, has already undergone two sea trials. The newly surfaced images, taken during its current dry-dock operations, clearly display the bow with two square-shaped torpedo launch tube openings, arranged symmetrically. One of these tubes had its hatch open, and nearby, two yellow U-shaped cradles were observed, likely intended for loading or testing torpedoes.

During its first sea trial, the bow of the "Huilong" was reportedly covered, and the vessel exhibited an unusual floating posture, raising speculation that it had not yet been fully outfitted. However, by the second trial, the vessel appeared more streamlined and balanced, leading experts to believe that the torpedo systems had since been installed.

Named after the "Huilong Project" initiated in 2020, this UUV platform is believed to displace around 100 tons, with a length of approximately 30 meters and a beam of 6 meters. Officially completed in late 2023, the project is part of a broader government effort to harness domestic innovation in both military and civilian dual-use technologies and to expand the use of marine resources.

While primarily a test platform designed to validate various scientific and technological developments, the "Huilong" is not classified purely as an armed combat submarine. However, the recent revelations of its armament suggest that its capabilities extend beyond basic testing functions, offering flexibility and potential for future applications. The implications of these findings, combined with the vessel's modularity, make the "Huilong" a key platform to watch in the region's growing interest in unmanned naval technologies.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles

The KRONOS SUB and the Chinese UUV-300CD are two key concepts in the development of unmanned submarines with the potential to launch torpedoes.

The KRONOS SUB, developed by Italian company DRASS Group, is designed as a fully autonomous unmanned submarine. It aims to provide underwater combat capabilities, including launching torpedoes, making it one of the first serious contenders for such a role.

The UUV-300CD, developed by China, represents another notable leap in unmanned underwater combat technology. It is reportedly capable of carrying torpedoes and other weapons, designed for long-endurance operations, and able to conduct complex missions autonomously.