China urged to boost harbor defenses after US drone strike on Iranian sub

Chinese military analysts are urging the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to rapidly strengthen harbor defenses following the United States’ first combat strike using unmanned surface vessels (USVs) against an Iranian submarine base. The US Central Command released footage on July 13 showing three USVs destroying a Ghadir-class midget submarine, marking a new milestone in naval warfare. The attack, which took place in the Persian Gulf, reportedly targeted an Iranian base. Chinese experts have expressed concern that the PLA’s ports and coastal facilities are vulnerable to similar USV attacks, especially given the growing use of drone technology in modern warfare. They recommend deploying more anti-drone systems, improving underwater detection, and developing countermeasures against swarm attacks. The PLA operates a large fleet of conventional submarines, but its harbor defenses are seen as outdated. The US strike demonstrated that even hardened submarine pens can be targeted by low-cost, unmanned craft. Chinese military analysts believe that the PLA must adapt quickly to this new threat. The incident has sparked debate in Chinese defense circles about the need for increased investment in unmanned systems and harbor protection. While the US has not commented on future plans, the strike highlights the rapidly changing nature of naval conflict.