China’s new trimaran submarine: 16 missiles and an unconventional design?

Images show China’s unusual trimaran vessel, a hybrid-looking craft whose exact purpose remains unknown. Analysts say it may be a semi-submersible drone carrier or an arsenal ship, but neither role is confirmed. Reports about a 16-missile loadout are speculative: available imagery has not shown a vertical launch system, which such a missile ship would need. The vessel may be about 210 feet long and could travel both surfaced and submerged. Its crew status and operational capabilities have not been established.