Chinese Cargo Ship Converted to Launch Advanced Combat Drones Emerges
10 hours ago
- #EMALS
- #China military
- #drone carrier
- China has set up a modular, road-mobile electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) on a converted cargo ship.
- The ship was previously configured with 60 containerized missile launch cells and has been rapidly reconfigured to serve as a multi-role advanced combat drone carrier.
- The EMALS system is composed of four connected vehicles forming a scalable catapult track, adaptable for different drone types.
- The ship retains 24 of its original 60 vertical launch cells and maintains defensive systems like the Type 1130 CIWS and large phased array radar.
- The system is currently launch-only, with no provisions for drone recovery, suggesting one-way missions.
- The feasibility of using such a system on a rolling ship and its power requirements remain unclear.
- The development could be a proof of concept, exploratory, or performative, aimed at sending a strategic message.
- China's rapid reconfiguration of commercial vessels into combatants highlights its expanding naval capabilities, posing challenges for the U.S. and allies.