AJX-002

A Chinese extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle revealed in 2025, with a reported length of approximately 20 metres but no published specifications or confirmed operational status.

Overview

The AJX-002, also written AJX002, is a Chinese extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV): an uncrewed submarine-sized platform intended to operate below the surface for extended missions. It was publicly displayed in Beijing's 3 September 2025 Victory Day parade, where it appeared alongside another Chinese XLUUV identified as the HSU100. The display brought a previously opaque part of China's undersea development into public view, although it did not establish that either vehicle had entered service.

Open-source assessment is based almost entirely on parade imagery. The AJX-002 is reported to be approximately 20 metres long, with a smaller diameter than the HSU100 and a clean exterior lacking obvious retractable sensors. Its manufacturer, propulsion, endurance, speed, range, diving depth, payload, communications architecture and autonomy level have not been disclosed. It is also not publicly established whether the displayed vehicle was an operational system, a development article or a parade mock-up.

Analysts associate Chinese XLUUV development with persistent surveillance, reconnaissance, mining and blockade missions in the Taiwan Strait and first island chain. Those roles remain possible applications rather than confirmed AJX-002 assignments. Its significance therefore lies less in demonstrated performance than in evidence that China is funding and publicly presenting more than one extra-large underwater vehicle design.

🔒 The full AJX-002 file is for BattlePolicy Pro members. Below the line: development history, design and capabilities, variants, the combat record, advantages and limitations, comparable systems, outlook, the full specifications table, our sourcing, and the analyst assessment — procurement, suppliers and the BattlePolicy verdict. Unlock the full file with BattlePolicy Pro →