Killer Whale (Hujing) UUV
Unmanned Underwater Vehicleconfirmed
The Killer Whale (Hujing) is a large, stealthy trimaran unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed for long-range, multi-role maritime operations. It is engineered to autonomously conduct anti-submarine, anti-ship, and air defense missions in highly contested waters.
Specifications
| Type | Unmanned Underwater Vehicle |
| Origin | China |
| Manufacturer | China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) |
| Introduced | 2023 |
| Status | In development |
| Displacement | 500 |
| Length | 58 |
| Beam | 18 |
| Max speed | 42 |
| Range | 4000 |
| Propulsion | Diesel-electric hybrid |
| Armament | Vertical launch system (VLS), torpedo launchers, remote weapon station, and rocket launchers |
| Aviation facilities | Stern flight deck for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) rotary UAVs |
History
Developed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), the Killer Whale USV was officially unveiled to the public at the Zhuhai Airshow in November 2024. The program reflects the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) strategic pivot toward unmanned systems to project power and conduct distributed maritime operations. Featuring a stealthy trimaran hull and a modular payload bay, the vessel is currently undergoing sea trials and development testing. Its strategic significance lies in its potential to act as a force multiplier, conducting high-risk surveillance and combat missions without risking manned crews.
Operators
| Country | Quantity | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| China | — | confirmed |