By Last Updated on 01/23/2020 by OTC
The PLA Navy unmanned surface vessel conducted its first sea trials, according to Ordnance Industry Science Technology.
The 15 meter vessel, dubbed as JARI, was designed to be controlled remotely or autonomously, like many projects developed by Western navies and defense industries. However, he may be the only one to have all the main capabilities of a surface fighter, but on a small scale.
Its developers say that JARI has a phased-array radar, a sonar suite, a forward weapon, two short-range air defense missiles, two vertical launch silos for small anti-aircraft / anti-ship missiles and two tubes launching torpedoes.
Given its ability, the Chinese state-owned newspaper Global Times, described it in ambitious terms as a “mini-Aegis class destroyer”, ready for combat.
The small size and reach of 500 MN of JARI would be a limitation to act autonomously in the ocean, therefore, it must be launched by conventional manned vessels. “The USV JARI can be loaded onto an aircraft carrier or amphibious assault ship to provide its attacking groups with additional reconnaissance and attack platforms,” wrote Ordnance Industry Science Technology. It is not a secret program, it has been openly announced at naval fairs since at least the end of 2018, although it has gained prominence in the media in recent months.
JARI was developed by the state-owned China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, which has since merged with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The group is the largest shipbuilding conglomerate in the world in backlog.
Source : Defesa Aerea & Naval
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