A new unmanned boat was spotted during rehearsals for next month’s military parade in Beijing, highlighting the growing importance of drone technology in China’s naval strategy.
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According to photos and footage circulating online, the uncrewed vessel was transported on a heavy semi-trailer and features a number of obvious stealth designs, including angled surfaces, a faceted hull and concealed superstructure.
Online commenters said the structure would also have concealed antenna and radar, all aimed at reducing infrared, visual, and acoustic signatures.
The vessel appeared to be painted in the Chinese navy’s white-grey-blue camouflage and did not have a hull number. It is unclear if it is covered with radar-absorbent materials.
It has windows on its cockpit, suggesting it can also be operated by a crew.
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In one online picture, the boat appears to be longer than the width of a four-lane road in Beijing, suggesting its length is probably over 15 metres (49 feet).