Hong Kong: A new Chinese AI system, reported to detect even the most modern submarines, has raised questions about its potential threat to maritime security or if it is merely psychological warfare.

According to Deutsche Welle, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post revealed a study published in the trade journal Electronics Optics and Control. The study announced that the China Helicopter Research and Development Institute developed an AI system that evaluates data from sonar buoys, underwater microphones, and other sources to create a real-time underwater environment map.

This development poses a strategic dilemma for world powers, potentially undermining existing defense strategies. The nuclear triad's submarine-launched ballistic missiles, a key deterrent, could face significant uncertainty if the system proves effective. However, it is essential to consider the psychological warfare aspect, as China aims to project strategic superiority. The nation has been active in the Taiwan Strait and the South and East China Seas, enhancing its naval capabilities to gain control of these crucial areas.

Despite China's advancements, Western military experts remain skeptical about the immediate threat posed by the new detection system. Professor Paul S. Schmitt from the Naval War College highlighted that while AI could enhance submarine hunting by processing vast data, the complexity of the underwater environment makes full implementation challenging. German security experts also noted the ongoing cat-and-mouse game in maritime armament dynamics, emphasizing the need for dynamic development of attack and defense techniques.

China, with its fleet of 105 submarines, holds the largest submarine force globally. However, the United States maintains strategic superiority with its advanced Ohio-class SSBNs and modern attack submarines. Russia follows closely, while China continues expanding its fleet with new SSBNs. Meanwhile, other NATO countries and nations like India and Israel maintain their submarine capabilities, each contributing to the global underwater power balance.