China has silently unveiled a groundbreaking development in naval technology: the world’s first dedicated drone carrier.

According to Naval News, this revelation comes as a result of satellite imagery analysis and insights from J Michael Dahm, an esteemed expert in aerospace and China studies. The clandestine construction of this aircraft carrier, undisclosed by Beijing, marks a significant stride in China’s military strategy, particularly in the utilization of drones in combat scenarios.

Satellite images from the Jiangsu Dayang shipyard on the Yangtze River unveil the covert construction of this new carrier, specifically engineered to accommodate fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Distinguished by its unique features, this mystery vessel, launched in December 2022 but concealed until now, diverges from conventional US or Chinese aircraft carriers. Notably smaller in size, approximately one-third the length and half the width of its counterparts, it boasts an unconventional straight deck arrangement, preventing simultaneous takeoffs and landings.

Despite its compact stature, the carrier possesses ample width to support aircraft or drones with a wingspan of up to 20 meters, slightly smaller than World War II escort carriers but wider. Its design incorporates a runway along one side and an island superstructure on the other, while the hull adopts a distinct catamaran configuration.

Crucially, the low flight deck suggests the absence of a hangar below, further indicating its specialized purpose for drone operations. Moreover, its expansive flight deck is estimated to accommodate drones with wingspans of up to 65 meters, akin to China’s rendition of the US Predator drone.

Naval News also highlighted the shipyard’s history of constructing several high-tech target barges and two large drone motherships, which serve as opposing forces in training exercises, a role known as ‘Electronic Blue Force’. This history suggests that the new drone carrier could support similar missions.

Following the U.S. refusal to grant the United Arab Emirates access to the F-35 Lightning II, a cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter, the UAE appears to be exploring alternative options, potentially turning to China to fulfill its security requirements. The aircraft that has captured the UAE’s interest is China’s own fifth-generation stealth fighter, the J-20.

A significant factor behind the U.S. denial stems from Israel’s longstanding security strategy, which revolves around maintaining military superiority in the region. Israel has historically sought advanced military technology from the U.S. while discouraging its neighbors from acquiring similar capabilities. This strategy aims to uphold Israel’s dominant position in regional military affairs, with support from U.S. and European military equipment.

The influence of the U.S. in the Palestine-Israel conflict significantly impacts defense exports in the region, leading many Asian and Middle Eastern countries to seek military equipment from alternative sources like Russia and China.

Recent engagements between the UAE and China indicate a growing partnership, potentially extending to military cooperation. With the UAE’s interest in Chinese aircraft like the J-20, following the setback with the F-35, there’s speculation that the UAE may increasingly turn to China for its defense needs. This shift is evident with the UAE’s acquisition of the Chinese Falcon L-15 advanced trainer aircraft.

The UAE, home to around 1,000 U.S. companies, also serves as a strategic regional base for numerous enterprises operating across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia. However, recent developments suggest a diversification of partnerships, with the UAE playing a pivotal role in facilitating business ties with the USA.

Comparing the American F-35 Lightning II with the Chinese Chengdu J-20 showcases two formidable fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The F-35, developed in the U.S., is a versatile single-engine aircraft designed for various combat roles, excelling in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. In contrast, the J-20, China’s response to fifth-generation fighters, boasts its own stealth capabilities.

The J-20 surpasses the F-35 in terms of range, with its ability to undertake strategic air missions without frequent refueling. Powered by the domestically produced WS-15 after-burning turbofan engine, the J-20 achieves impressive speeds nearing Mach 2, along with a commendable range of approximately 700 miles.

Notably, the J-20’s ability to launch missiles from a distance and its extensive weapons payload exceed those of the F-35, while maintaining lower operating costs. However, the F-35 retains an advantage in avionics and sensor technology, as well as its vertical takeoff and landing capability, enabling diverse mission execution.

Viewed as a rival to other fifth-generation fighters like the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, as well as the Russian Su-57, the J-20 continues to undergo upgrades in avionics, sensors, and weaponry to ensure its competitiveness in modern aerial warfare. Equipped with advanced stealth technology, the J-20 enhances its ability to operate effectively in contested airspace.

The South Korean government has unveiled plans to invest a staggering 49.4 billion won (approximately $35.7 million) to upgrade its FA-50 fighter jets, with a keen eye on meeting global demand and expanding its export portfolio.

The upcoming single-seat variant of the FA-50 is on the brink of entering a fiercely competitive arena, where it will face off against India’s LCA Tejas and Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder. Positioned within a distinct niche, these aircraft cater to countries seeking the capabilities of a full-sized fighter jet without the burdensome acquisition and operational costs typically associated with top-tier models.

This significant budget allocation is earmarked for the development of a single-seat variant of the FA-50, a jet trainer manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The objective is clear: to tap into new markets, including the highly coveted United States market, according to statements from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy.

The investment, spread over the course of the project running through 2028, will see the government inject 29 billion won. KAI and its partner firms will contribute the remaining amount required to enhance the performance capabilities of the FA-50s. Key enhancements include equipping the upgraded FA-50 with a domestically developed automatic ground collision avoidance system, along with extending its operational range by up to 30 percent.

South Korea has already made significant strides in exporting the FA-50, having shipped around 140 units of the double-seat version to six countries, including Poland and Malaysia. With this latest investment, the country aims to further solidify its position in the global defense market.

Industrial Policy Director General Lee Seung-ryeol highlighted the FA-50’s unmatched competitiveness in terms of price, performance, delivery time, and operational costs. The development of the single-seat variant is expected to bolster exports, particularly as demand for light trainer combat fighter jets continues to soar internationally.

KAI is gearing up to seize this opportunity, eyeing a substantial share of the estimated 450-unit future market for aircraft in this category. The company aims to secure approximately 50% of this market share, further underscoring its ambitious expansion plans.

Lee emphasized the commitment to establishing a robust defense ecosystem and expanding research and development efforts to facilitate the export of FA-50s to the U.S. market by 2025.