New footage of Taiwan’s domestically developed “Huilong” (Smart Dragon) unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) has been released.
Captured by military enthusiasts, the new footage shows interesting features about the previously unknown UUV.
The footage shows the UUV being inspected by presumably technicians under a floating shelter. It is then seen being towed as a support vessel. One of the most striking features is the apparent presence of a pair of bow torpedo tubes.
It also added to previously speculated details about the rear of the UUV clearing, showing its propeller and X-shaped rudder.
Taiwan’s Defense Minister has previously confirmed the UUV’s existence, emphasizing that it is a test bed for sonar and subsea mine operations. It cannot move under its own steam and requires towing when conducting sea trials.
“Smart Dragon” is reportedly a joint effort between Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology and Lung Teh Shipbuilding, with development initiated in 2020.
Rise of the “Smart Dragon”
Concrete information about the UUV is sparse, but according to reports, it displaces around 100 tons. The “Smart Dragon” is also around 98 feet (30 meters) long, 12 feet (3.6 meters) wide, and 20 feet (6 meters) tall (including the conning tower).
Speculation about the torpedo tubes is reinforced for previously released times of the craft in dry dock with what appear to be yellow-painted cradles typically used to maneuver and load torpedoes. It has also been speculated that these tubes could house torpedo-sized smaller UUVs.
From the released footage, the UUV resembles a miniaturized submarine and can deploy its fleet of small unmanned vehicles. This would drastically increase the craft’s surveillance, target acquisition, and strike operation capabilities if true.
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While still under development, the UUV or a similar craft would prove useful for Taiwan’s sovereign defense. Its sophisticated sonar could, for example, provide an invaluable underwater monitoring craft.
This could be used to track and monitor enemy submarines and surface vessels over an extended period. If China ever attempted an invasion, the “Smart Dragon” would enable Taiwan to increase its situational awareness, potentially in real-time.
The presence of what appears to be torpedo tubes could also point to the UUV’s ability to engage enemy targets. But this is just speculation at this point.
Much-needed anti-submarine capability
Taiwan’s fleet of submarines is relatively small and would be vulnerable in a conflict, though the nation has committed to adding more than half a dozen more over the coming year.
However, integrating unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) like the Huilong could act as a force multiplier. When deployed alongside or supporting manned submarines, these UUVs could undertake high-risk reconnaissance missions or even offensive roles.
This would enable manned vessels to operate with reduced exposure to detection or attack. Taiwan’s strategy would likely depend on asymmetric tactics in a conflict scenario involving a larger naval power such as China.
Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are cost-effective for deploying various weapons or conducting sabotage missions against high-value enemy assets, such as aircraft carriers or amphibious assault ships.
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