China is Building a Missile Carrying Unmanned Surface Vessel

The U.S. Navy's new USVs won't be the only uncrewed vessels to hit the waves. Chinese defense company Poly Technologies showcased the A2000 USV at the Defense Services Asia 2024 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

According to reports this month, the U.S. Navy has christened its first purpose-built Unmanned Surface Vessel, the Vanguard. The vessel was developed as part of the Pentagon's Ghost Fleet Overlord USV program. 

But the Navy's new USVs won't be the only uncrewed vessels to hit the waves. Chinese defense company Poly Technologies showcased the A2000 USV at the Defense Services Asia 2024 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Manufactured by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the A2000 "Thunderer" sea-based drone is designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance roles as well as Anti-Access/Area Denial operations. For the latter role, the Thunderer carries serious strike capabilities. It is armed with interceptor missiles and a 30mm cannon. It can be controlled from a shore-based station and employed in littoral waters.

Link to the article: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/china-building-missile-carrying-unmanned-surface-vessel-210995