NAVDEX 2025 – Chinese CSSC presents a model of the latest iteration of its JARI-USV-A unmanned surface vehicle
At NAVDEX 2025, the China State Shipbuilding Corporation presented a model of the world’s largest unmanned surface vehicle JARI-USV-A known as Orca (killer whale). Models of the JARI-USV-A design have been promoted by CSSC for several years, being shown at NAVDEX 2023. However, at present, this model has undergone certain changes and corresponds to the real ship, which was built at the Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) and is undergoing trials
JARI-USV-A has a trimaran configuration. Its displacement was previously reported at 420 tonnes; the ship is 58 metres long, with a 23 metres beam and a 2 metres draft. Since the model’s nameplate indicated a displacement of 300 tonnes, it is possible that the model on display is a basic unmanned trimaran concept that can be adapted to accommodate USVs of various classes and purposes.
The trimaran hull reduces water resistance, which in turn increases range and speed. The maximum speed is 40 knots, and the cruising range reaches 4,000 nm. Although the ship will operate autonomously most of the time, there is a bridge for the crew.
The JARI-USV-A is designed for the defence of the Chinese coast and of the Taiwan Strait. In such shallow waters, the trimaran has a higher degree of freedom compared to single hull ships, thanks to its lower draft compared to its displacement.
The USV’s integrated mast houses an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar suite. and other sensors. In addition, the mast has additional locations for installing other instruments or electronic warfare devices. In front of the integral mast there is a space which, in the model, accommodates a 12-cell vertical launch system for anti-ship and anti-aircraft guided missiles, however on the real ship only four are installed.
A remotely controlled weapon system (RCWS) that can be retracted into the hull is installed on the bow. There is no information about the model and calibre of that weapon; it could be a 30 mm cannon or a rapid-fire cannon of a slightly larger calibre. The RCWS can be used not only against small ships, but also against air targets with air burst munitions, including loitering munitions and missiles.
A landing pad for an unmanned helicopter is available at stern; the VTOL UAV can be used not only for reconnaissance, but also for antisubmarine warfare (ASW) as it can drop light torpedoes or sonobuoys.
It is possible that the JARI-USV-A could act as a relay in a network-centric command and control system for small surface and underwater drones. It could receive reconnaissance data on the enemy’s position and transmit it to attack drones, which would then carry out an attack.
There is currently no information on whether the PLA Navy has adopted the only JARI-USV-A that has undergone testing. It is likely that testing is still ongoing and additional systems may be integrated into its design.
Weapons experts disagree on whether such large, unmanned ships make sense at all, since they are large targets. Smaller, specialized drones could operate more stealthily and could be produced in much larger numbers with a short production cycle.
Photos N. Novichkov