China has developed a groundbreaking drone that operates seamlessly underwater and in the air, marking a significant leap in military technology. These submarine-launched drones, boasting enhanced survival rates in marine battlefields, signal a strategic advancement amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
The development comes as Beijing expresses concerns over potential U.S. deployments of underwater drones near its waters, which could enable surprise swarm attacks on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in a future Taiwan conflict. Chinese researchers claim their new drones surpass the capabilities of the Pentagon’s unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).
Breakthrough Foldable Wing Design
Developed by researchers from Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU) and the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre (CARDC), the drone features a unique foldable wing design, allowing it to transition between water and air multiple times during a single mission. This innovative design improves the drone’s stealth and durability across different environments.
The details of the technology were published in Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica, a journal of the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The drone combines efficient underwater navigation with high agility in the air, setting it apart from existing cross-medium systems.
Multi-Role Military Applications
Named “Feiyi,” the drone is designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions. Its underwater navigation capabilities are particularly advanced, with superior travel efficiency compared to existing drones. Feiyi’s design features four pairs of rotating blades that can fold tightly against the fuselage, minimizing water resistance.
Additionally, its tail-mounted propellers enhance propulsion and maneuverability underwater. The drone can surface in rough waves, spread its arms, and take flight, seamlessly transitioning between mediums. During water landings, Feiyi’s wings fold within five seconds, enabling rapid submersion.
Artificial intelligence further enhances the drone’s autonomy, allowing it to execute complex missions with minimal human intervention.
U.S. Drones Fall Behind
Unlike Feiyi, U.S. military drones are deployed using torpedo-like tubes, limiting their mobility underwater. Once airborne, these drones remain in the air, making them more vulnerable to attacks. Chinese researchers argue that this fundamental difference provides Feiyi with a strategic edge in multi-domain operations.
China’s Broader Cross-Media Ambitions
NWPU and CARDC are at the forefront of China’s advanced military research, which includes hypersonic weapons and other cutting-edge technologies. Reports suggest Beijing is also developing additional cross-medium weapons, potentially powered by solid-fuel ramjet engines for high-speed aerial and underwater operations.
The significance of such innovations is underscored by a report from the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), which predicts that a potential conflict over Taiwan would likely involve novel methods of drone warfare, including autonomous underwater systems.
Implications for Global Security
China’s development of the world’s first cross-medium drone highlights the intensifying competition in military technology and its potential to reshape future conflicts. As Beijing continues to push the boundaries of drone innovation, its advancements signal a growing challenge to U.S. dominance in the domain of unmanned systems.
