UB1 Sharp Shark Armed USV Demonstrates China’s Expanding Naval Drone Capabilities.

China’s state-owned defense group NORINCO presented its UB1 Unmanned Surface Vessel, also known as the Sharp Shark 10, at the UMEX 2026 exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The system highlights Beijing’s continued push into armed, modular maritime drones designed for coastal patrol, surveillance, and combat roles.

Displayed publicly at UMEX 2026 in the United Arab Emirates, the UB1 Unmanned Surface Vessel from Chinese industrial group NORINCO reflects a maturing approach to armed uncrewed maritime platforms. Although part of the wider Sharp Shark family, the UB1 configuration shown at the exhibition was positioned as a modular, weapon-capable system intended to operate in both coastal waters and offshore zones, according to materials and briefings associated with the display.
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The UB1 Sharp Shark armed USV offers insight into China’s expanding unmanned naval warfare capabilities and maritime combat ambitions. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The UB1 Sharp Shark 10 is designed as an uncrewed surface vessel capable of operating under remote control or in autonomous modes. NORINCO presents the platform as an integrated solution combining navigation, communications, mission management, and payload integration within a single architecture. The vessel is intended to operate in nearshore waters as well as offshore areas, with an emphasis on maintaining a persistent maritime presence while reducing risks to human operators.

Long-range remote control is described as a core feature of the UB1 system. According to the information provided by the manufacturer, the vessel can be operated through communication links that allow supervision and command over extended distances. These links support functions related to route management and operational safety, enabling operators to conduct missions from shore-based or shipborne control stations while retaining control over navigation and onboard systems.

In autonomous mode, the UB1 Sharp Shark 10 relies on integrated route planning, automatic navigation, and obstacle avoidance functions. These capabilities allow the vessel to follow predefined routes, adjust its course in response to maritime traffic and environmental conditions, and continue operating without continuous human input. NORINCO indicates that this level of autonomy is intended to support surveillance, reconnaissance, and patrol missions in defined maritime areas.

The system is also presented as capable of continuous patrol operations during both day and night. This capability is supported by an onboard sensor suite designed for surface detection and tracking. The UB1 can conduct monitoring and area control tasks in support of maritime security missions, including coastal surveillance, port protection, and the safeguarding of offshore installations.

A modular design underpins the UB1 Sharp Shark 10 concept. The manufacturer states that the platform can be configured according to user requirements and mission profiles. The vessel can be equipped with a range of onboard systems, including an electro-optical sensor, an inertial navigation system, a BeiDou Global Positioning System module, an Automatic Identification System, a navigation radar, a broadband radio, and a loudspeaker intended for communication or warning functions during maritime operations.

From a technical standpoint, the version presented features a composite hull with a length of 12.5 meters and a displacement of approximately 10 tonnes. The vessel is designed to operate without an onboard crew, although the technical documentation references a nominal crew equivalent of two. Performance figures provided by NORINCO include a maximum speed of 40 knots, a cruising speed of 25 knots, and an operational range exceeding 200 nautical miles.

Armament options form part of the UB1 Sharp Shark 10 configuration displayed at UMEX 2026. Depending on operational requirements, the vessel can be fitted with a 12.7 mm remote controlled machine gun station, a lightweight 30 mm naval gun, G68 type missiles, or LDSA loitering munitions. These configurations indicate potential use in armed patrol, maritime interdiction, or strike support roles, with weapon systems operated remotely from a control station.

The presentation of the UB1 Sharp Shark 10 reflects NORINCO’s broader industrial approach to uncrewed and autonomous systems across land, air, and naval domains. As a major Chinese defense industrial group, NORINCO positions itself as a system integrator capable of delivering complete solutions combining platforms, sensors, communications, and effectors for export markets.

The international marketing of systems such as the UB1 Sharp Shark 10 highlights the expanding presence of uncrewed surface vessels on the global defense market. Increasing availability and modularity make these platforms attractive to a wide range of actors seeking persistent maritime capabilities with reduced human exposure. The display of the UB1 at UMEX 2026 illustrates a broader trend in which autonomous naval systems are becoming more prominent, particularly in coastal and regional maritime environments.