China Launches New USV

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The state-owned China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) has recently launched the JARI combat unmanned surface vessel. The platform can be controlled remotely from a mother ship or shore station, but it can use artificial intelligence to autonomously navigate alone or as part of a swarm, and undertake combat activities once commanded.

With the launch at an undisclosed location and without sea trials, the JARI drone boat attained initial combat capability, further testing was required for the USV to achieve fully autonomous capability. 

A prototype of the system undertook sea trials in 2018.

According to globaltimes.com, the 15 m (49 ft) JARI boat has a 4.8m beam (width) and displaces 20 tons. The water-jet powered USV can reach 42 knots and has a range of around 500 nautical miles (925 km).

The modular design enables a range of tasks including air defense, anti-ship and anti-submarine missions. 

The boat is equipped with a phased array radar system, variable-depth sonar, satellite communications and electro-optical systems. Weapons systems include a 30mm automatic gun, a vertical launch unit for surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, and two launchers for light torpedoes.