JARI USV
China's JARI USV, introduced in 2019, is a multi-role combat unmanned surface vessel distinguished by integrating a phased-array radar and weapon launchers onto a 15-meter hull.
| Subtype | Uncrewed surface vehicle |
| Displacement | 20 tons |
| Width | 4.8 m (15.7 ft) |
| Length | 15.0 m (49.2 ft) |
| Propulsion | 1 × water jet |
| Range | 500 km |
| Maximum speed | 42 knots |
- 1 × 30 mm remote weapon station
- 8 × VLS (Surface-to-air missiles, Anti-ship missiles)
- 2 × rocket pods (optional, total of 4 × guided or unguided rockets)
- 2 × single torpedo launchers (optional, lightweight torpedoes)
Description
The JARI uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) was developed by the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) through a collaboration between its No. 716 Research Institute (Jiangsu Automation Research Institute) and No. 702 Research Institute (China Ship Scientific Research Centre). Designed for potential use by the People's Liberation Army Navy and export markets, a mockup of the USV was first displayed by CSIC's export arm, the China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo in September 2018. A working prototype had commenced sea trials earlier that year. CSIC launched the prototype at an undisclosed location on August 21, 2019, declaring that the vessel had achieved initial combat capabilities. Further sea trials took place in late 2019 and were confirmed in January 2020.
The USV features a trimaran hull propelled by a pump-jet. The vessel utilizes a modular design, allowing configuration for air defense, anti-ship, and anti-submarine operations on a smaller scale than a manned destroyer. Its sensor suite includes fixed active phased array radar panels providing 360-degree coverage, superstructure-mounted electro-optic systems, navigational radar, and a satellite link antenna, with the option to install a sonar system. For armament, the vessel can be equipped with a remote controlled weapon station, rocket pods for guided or unguided rockets, vertical launching systems for surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, and side-mounted torpedo launchers for lightweight torpedoes. The USV can be controlled remotely from land stations or a nearby mothership, or it can operate autonomously using artificial intelligence, either individually or as part of a swarm.
One prototype has been completed. The USV is envisioned for deployment from aircraft carriers or amphibious assault ships to provide auxiliary reconnaissance and firepower. Defense analysts have debated the operational readiness and technical maturity of the platform. Some Western analysts suggest that the vessel lacks the range required for distant open-ocean operations, making it more suited for patrols near Chinese coastal territories, ports, or islands in the South China Sea.