China Prepares Debut of New Giant Unmanned Underwater Vehicle in Upcoming Parade.

On August 16, 2025, Beijing drew global attention when images emerged from parade rehearsals revealing a massive unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), as published by FaySue6 on X-platform. The system, never before showcased by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), has fueled speculation due to its striking resemblance to Russia’s Poseidon nuclear-powered torpedo. Observers see this as a potentially significant step in China’s naval modernization, raising questions about Beijing’s strategic ambitions and the future of undersea warfare.
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 Geopolitically, a nuclear-capable Chinese UUV would add an asymmetric layer to its deterrence posture, complicating U.S. and allied naval planning in the Indo-Pacific (Picture source: X/FaySue6)

The defense product in question appears to be an extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle (XLUUV), designated AJX-002, though some reports suggest larger variants were also seen. Measuring roughly 18 to 20 meters in length and up to 1.5 meters in diameter, the drone features a torpedo-like design with pump jet propulsion and lifting lugs for crane deployment, suggesting modular construction for transport. Parade rehearsals revealed at least six such UUVs, four of the AJX-002 type and two larger models with double the diameter, hinting at a program of significant scale. Analysts noted that while pumpjets are generally suited for high-speed transit, they tend to be less efficient at lower speeds, raising questions about the system’s power source. The absence of a ventilation mast suggests that an integrated diesel subsystem alone would not suffice, reinforcing the hypothesis that the platform relies on nuclear propulsion. Its size and silhouette immediately drew comparisons to Russia’s Poseidon, with observers speculating on its ability to carry nuclear or conventional payloads.

The operational history of the system remains limited, with no confirmation of testing or deployment. Open-source intelligence suggests China has steadily invested in autonomous undersea platforms, from smaller systems like the HSU-001 to research vessels such as the Blue Whale. Reports indicate that the AJX-002 may employ a disposable nuclear reactor capable of sustaining cruising speeds above 30 knots for up to 200 hours before detaching to sink into the seabed, after which the drone could rely on battery power. Chinese nuclear scientist Guo Jian, writing in the Journal of Unmanned Underwater Systems, emphasized “substantial differences” between this project and Russia’s Poseidon, noting that Beijing’s system may not be designed as a doomsday weapon but rather as a flexible strike or reconnaissance asset.

Compared with Russia’s Poseidon, revealed in 2018 and reportedly able to deliver a nuclear warhead of up to 100 megatons across oceans, China’s drone appears to be at an earlier stage of development, with uncertain specifications and mission profiles. Poseidon is explicitly conceived as a strategic deterrent, bypassing missile defenses to threaten coastal cities and carrier groups. By contrast, available reporting suggests the Chinese system may aim for dual-use roles, functioning as a conventional combat drone, a long-endurance surveillance platform, or potentially as a nuclear-capable strike asset. While Poseidon embodies a catastrophic escalation risk, Chinese sources frame their project as a versatile tool rather than a weapon of mass annihilation, though Western analysts caution that adaptation for nuclear use remains technically feasible.

The strategic implications of such a system are far-reaching. Geopolitically, a nuclear-capable Chinese UUV would add an asymmetric layer to its deterrence posture, complicating U.S. and allied naval planning in the Indo-Pacific. Militarily, it could threaten high-value naval formations and coastal infrastructure, forcing adversaries to consider new layers of anti-submarine defense. Geostrategically, its development signals China’s determination to diversify its deterrent beyond ballistic missiles and submarines, reinforcing its ambitions to contest U.S. maritime dominance. The appearance of multiple units at parade rehearsals also suggests a mass-production intent rather than a one-off prototype, underscoring Beijing’s resolve to push forward in autonomous naval warfare.

This revelation sends a strong message: China is accelerating its undersea warfare capabilities, even if the full operational details of the AJX-002 remain opaque. Whether intended as a direct counterpart to Russia’s Poseidon or as a distinct class of undersea weapon, its existence alone demonstrates Beijing’s commitment to fielding disruptive technologies capable of reshaping strategic calculations across the Pacific and beyond.