China Unveils AJX002 Underwater Drone, Raising Taiwan Blockade Concerns

During the military parade in Beijing on September 3, 2025, China revealed a groundbreaking underwater system: the AJX002, an extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV) designed for mine-laying operations. This new platform signals a major step forward in China’s naval capabilities and raises concerns about potential covert blockades, especially around Taiwan.

Design and Features

The AJX002 has a torpedo-like shape, measuring approximately 18–20 meters in length with a slender profile. Its hull shows minimal sensors, with a small dome likely functioning as a communications antenna.

The drone uses a cruciform tail for maneuvering, but lacks front control surfaces or thrusters, suggesting limited agility in tight spaces. Its pump-jet propulsion enhances stealth, making it harder to detect. The vehicle is launched from surface facilities using crane deployment rather than submarine tubes.

Payload and Capabilities

Officially described as a mine-laying system, the AJX002 is built to place deep-water mines, including rocket-rising or torpedo-armed mines, far from shore. Its design indicates that it is not intended for precise operations within harbors, but for strategic deployment in offshore choke points and shipping lanes.

Strategic Implications

1. Increased Minelaying Likelihood: A dedicated platform allows China to lay mines efficiently, without repurposing submarines or surface ships.

2. Enhanced Blockade Capability: The drone can enforce maritime denial, particularly around Taiwan, without revealing China’s hand.

3. Stealth and Deniability: Its low-noise propulsion and minimal sensor profile make detection difficult.

4. Challenge to Anti-Submarine Warfare: Uncrewed drones operating far from bases create new challenges for ASW and mine countermeasures.

5. Rapid Technological Development: The AJX002 is part of a growing family of XLUUVs, showing China’s push to dominate uncrewed underwater warfare.

Unknowns and Open Questions

• Range and Endurance: Estimated at hundreds to over a thousand nautical miles, but exact performance is unconfirmed.

• Sensor Capabilities: Likely limited; relies on pre-programmed navigation and communications.

• Payload Details: Number of mines per mission and exact mine types remain unclear.

• Autonomy: Level of independence in decision-making and target selection is unknown.

Regional and Global Impact

The AJX002 increases maritime tension in the Taiwan Strait, posing risks to civilian shipping and military operations. It also threatens undersea infrastructure, such as communication cables and sensor networks. Regional powers may accelerate unmanned underwater systems and mine countermeasure programs in response, intensifying an arms race beneath the waves.

The unveiling of the AJX002 demonstrates China’s significant advancement in underwater warfare. Its stealthy design, dedicated mine-laying capability, and operational flexibility create a covert, high-risk threat in future maritime conflicts. For Taiwan and regional powers, the presence of the AJX002 introduces a new and unpredictable undersea strategic dynamic.