New Chinese technology allows drones to detect submarines

As the conflict between the United States and China in the South China Sea intensifies, Chinese scientists have tested a new submarine detection system that could significantly change the balance in maritime intelligence

Here's What We Know

The new system, developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), is an attempt to overcome the limitations of traditional optical magnetometers that do not work effectively in low-latitude regions such as the South China Sea.

Chinese scientists have created a compact towed design: an atomic sensor connected to a drone by a 20-metre cable that reduces electromagnetic interference. In combination with GPS, a flux probe and data processing algorithms, the system creates highly accurate magnetic maps.

High accuracy was achieved during sea trials off the coast of Shandong. According to the scientists, this opens the way not only to effective submarine detection, but also to mapping of oil fields, sunken objects and geological movements.

It is emphasised that, unlike the Western MAD-XR system, the Chinese development is much cheaper, does not require several probes to avoid blind spots, and shows better results in difficult latitudinal conditions. However, the final combat effectiveness has yet to be tested in extreme conditions, unlike the MAD-XR, which has already been used in practice by the armies of the United States, Japan and other countries.

Source: South China Morning Post