China is developing a new diesel-electric submarine as part of its efforts to enhance its undersea warfare capabilities against the U.S. Navy. The discovery was made by Tom Shugart, a former U.S. Navy submariner and defense analyst, who spotted the suspected new submarine at the Wuchang shipyard in Wuhan using open-source satellite imagery. The U.S. Defense Department reported last year that China has 48 diesel-electric submarines, with 21 of them belonging to the 3,600-ton Type 039A/B Yuan-class, capable of firing anti-ship missiles.
The Pentagon anticipates that China will produce at least 25 Yuan-class submarines by 2025, in addition to the twelve nuclear-powered submarines it currently operates. In contrast, all submarines in the U.S. Navy are powered by nuclear reactors. Diesel-electric submarines are smaller, stealthier, and more maneuverable in littoral waters, while nuclear-powered submarines have longer endurance and speed for sustained submerged missions. Shugart’s analysis of satellite images showed a new class of submarine at the Wuchang Shipyard, potentially with an x-shaped stern design, which is unusual for Chinese submarines and offers improved maneuvering and reduced noise signature.
The presence of a potential new submarine with an x-shaped stern at the Wuchang Shipyard suggests that China may be incorporating vertical launch systems into its conventional submarines, a trend seen in modern naval vessels. The Chinese navy is investing in its submarine forces to counter the U.S. Navy’s submarine threats, with a focus on modernizing its submarine fleet. While China’s navy is the largest in the world by hull count, there remains a capability gap in submarine warfare compared to the U.S., according to Brian Hart, an expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The development of a new diesel-electric submarine with advanced features reflects China’s commitment to enhancing its undersea warfare capabilities and countering potential threats from the U.S. Navy. The ability to incorporate vertical launch systems and x-shaped stern designs in conventional submarines demonstrates China’s efforts to modernize its submarine fleet for improved maneuverability and stealth. Despite China’s focus on improving its submarine forces, there remains a significant capability gap between China and the U.S. in submarine warfare, according to experts. China’s investments in submarine modernization reflect its strategic priorities in maintaining a competitive edge in undersea warfare.
