Feb 10 โ€ข 10:00 UTC ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ China South China Morning Post

China lifts veil on secretive underwater combat vehicle at Saudi Arabia defence show

China State Shipbuilding Corporation unveils the SDV-01, a new underwater combat vehicle, at the World Defence Show in Riyadh, aiming to expand its market presence in the Middle East.

At the World Defence Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), a major state-owned shipbuilding enterprise, revealed its new underwater combat vehicle model, the SDV-01. This surface-to-subsurface delivery vehicle is specifically designed for frogman operations, indicating China's strategic focus on expanding military capabilities in pivotal maritime areas such as the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.

The introduction of the SDV-01 underscores China's increased emphasis on naval warfare capabilities as it seeks to establish a more significant presence in the Middle Eastern defense market. The World Defence Show, which attracts defense manufacturers from around the globe, serves as a vital platform for CSSC to showcase its growing naval arsenal, including advanced ships and technologies that symbolize China's ambitions to bolster its maritime strength and support its extensive navy.

This unveiling aligns with China's broader strategy to enhance military cooperation and sales in the Middle East and represents a potential pivot of defense engagements in the region. As the PLA Navy continues to expand, the introduction of innovative military technologies like the SDV-01 illustrates China's commitment to adapting its military offerings to meet international demands while seeking new partnerships and buyers in emerging markets worldwide.

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