Quick thread on #Chinese submarine capabilities right now. Excuse typos
First up. China has been operating nuclear powered attack submarines, of its own design, since 1970s. Today the main type is the Type-09III (aka 093) SHANG Class (hisutton.com/Chinese-Navy-T…)
2. These attack subs (SSNs) are generally better than many people would expect. We have seen the steady implementation of newer technologies such as towed sonar arrays and anechoic coatings.
But they are relatively few in number.
3. They are based in South China Sea, south of Taiwan. Generally their role is protecting the nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) but they would be expected to play a role in any conflict
4. Compared to most western SSNs they have a greater emphasis on anti-ship role, with the YJ-18 supersonic anti ship missile.
No western sub Carrie’s anti-ship missiles in this category
5. The small numbers of SSNs (6) is offset by the worlds largest fleet of AIP (air independent power) submarines. The type-039A YUAN class family are the backbone of the Chinese navy’s submarine fleet. See hisutton.com/Chinese-Type-0…
6. The latest new version has a distinctive angled sail and towed array sonar. However this is not yet in active service.
Also, this is *not* a copy of the Swedish A26 class, it’s just similar
7. The in-service YUANs lack the integral towed array but anyway are mostly anti-ship platforms. They too are armed with the YJ-18 missile
8. China also deploys 10 Russian improved-KILO class submarines. These are cruise missiles capable, but lack the AIP of the locally designed YUAN.
Also older Song Class and Ming Class designs. Again, anti ship missiles…
Lastly, China has several unique ‘one of’ submarines which we don’t know much about at all. This reminds us a) they can innovate b) they can build and operate in secret c) we don’t fully know or understand their capabilities navalnews.com/naval-news/202…
Also.., SSBNs. These nuclear armed missile submarines are for strategic nuclear deterrence. They are based in South China Sea.
Oh, here’s a video overview of their subs I made a while back
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