Submarines of the People's Liberation Army Navy
Encyclopedia
Submarines have long been one of the three focuses of the People's Liberation Army Navy
(the other two are aircraft and attack boats), and when the decision was made in the late 2006 to concentrate on building other principal surface combatants to strengthen the air defense and to further delay the construction of aircraft carriers due to insufficient air cover, submarines will continue to play the lead dominant role in the assault force for the PLAN
.
Conventional attack submarines
Total - 52 boats
Conventional ballistic missile submarine
Total - 1 boat
Nuclear attack submarines (SSNs)
Total - 6 boats
Ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs)
Total - 4 boats
Nuclear submarines have been envisaged in the Chinese Navy
since the 1950s. Despite ambition and a long history of development, the acquisition of nuclear submarine
s has been a difficult process. The Cultural Revolution
greatly disrupted nuclear submarine development. The Sino-Soviet split
prevented any Soviet assistance in nuclear propulsion, and these propulsion problems have been troublesome to this day.
The first Chinese nuclear powered submarine was laid down in 1967 but not completed until 1974. The Han class has experienced more than 20 years of development, the last of the class not being commissioned until 1990. Only five hulls
have entered service and have been reported to have experienced nuclear reactor
difficulties (though this has been greatly overcome in some aspects by French and subsequent Russian assistance). The Han class since their commission have gone through major upgrades and numerous refits. It is believed that long refits have often meant that these submarines spend more time in port than out at sea, greatly affecting their operational capacity. Combat capabilities of the Han class seem to be undermined by the poor and noisy nuclear reactors. Their initial design and weapons fit seem inadequate if confronting other submarine
s and ship
s in Western navies. Hull 401 (and possibly 402 as well in the near future) has been retired from active service by 2005. All remaining hulls however have been greatly refitted with new sonar
s and anechoic tile
s (which reduce noise levels). The Han class has mostly operated in local waters, but since the 1990s, Hans have been used more aggressively. A Han shadowed a US carrier battle group
in the mid-1990s, and more recently, a Han operated around Japanese waters, prompting a Japanese task force
to chase the submarine out of its territory. Han-class submarines are far from being as capable or effective as their American Los Angeles class
counterparts, but with recent improvements they can pose a great threat by operating deep in the Western Pacific and attacking targets that are less well-protected by ASW
coverage.
A new class of SSN has been in development since the 1980s, when the PLAN first sought a replacement for the Han class. Little information has emerged about the Type 093 (Shang class) SSN project
, but it is believed to have some Russian influence. The 093 design maybe comparable to the Russian Victor III class
, signifying a significant step forward for Chinese nuclear attack submarines. The 093 has been the focus of much attention from US and Asian military analysts. Its improved capabilities will undoubtedly increase PLAN power in the region and its ability to carry war to the West Pacific. Such submarines can escort future SSBNs
as well as attacking US Navy carrier battle groups in the deep ocean. There have been reports that the first hull was launched around 2001, with a second hull also launched a few years afterwards. Photos of the 093 Shang class were released on the internet in mid-2007, with some photos considered to be from official sources as well, perhaps leading to speculation that the 093 may be declassified.
There have been numerous reports that China has the option of buying or leasing Russian nuclear attack submarines, particularly the Akula class. It is unlikely, however, that Russia in the foreseeable future would be willing to sell such high-level platforms to China, nor is China likely to be interested in wasting money on run-down Russian attack submarines considering the near-completion of the 093 class and development of the 095 class.
China is constructing a major underground nuclear
submarine base
near Sanya
, Hainan
. In December 2007 the first Type 094 submarine
was moved to Sanya.http://www.janes.com/news/security/jir/jir080421_1_n.shtml
The Daily Telegraph
on 1 May 2008 reported that tunnels were being built into hillsides which could be capable of hiding up to 20 nuclear submarines from spy satellites.
China's first SSBN, the Xia 092 class hull 406, was laid down in 1978, launched in 1981 and commissioned by 1983. The JL-1 missile was not ready until the first successful test launch of the missile from the Xia in 1988. Previous launch attempts from 1985 had failed. Its primary weapon is the JL-1 SLBM, with 12 launch tubes, as well as six 533 mm tubes for self defense. Because of only one hull, the PLAN does not possess the capability of the other superpowers to maintain a constant SSBN patrol and has indeed never sent the Xia on a deterrent patrol. The missile's short range also permits the 092 to launch its missiles against regional targets only. Striking targets far away require the submarine to travel dangerously closer to enemy waters. The Xia has since undergone a major modernisation refit, with a new black-coated paint and possibly other improvements with unofficial reports indicating the Xia is now carrying an improved missile, the JL-1A that is alleged to have longer range.
The PLAN currently has plans to acquire a new class of SSBN, with a projected number of between three to six vessels. The 094 is believed to have been heavily influenced by Russian assistance. It features 12 launch tubes for the longer ranged JL-2 missile (contrary to the previously speculated 16), which has an 8000 km range that can carry 3 to 4 MIRVs. The 094 would be permitted to patrol nearer Chinese waters, with the ability to launch its missiles against continental US targets. However the Julang-2 class missiles have repeatedly failed in launch tests.
Recent photos released in the internet by unofficial sources (including alleged satellite images by Google Earth) show at least one operational 094 followed by one or two other hulls being fitted in Huludao submarine facilities. The 094 bears a strong resemblance to the Xia, though being much larger in all aspects and thought to be far more capable.
Submarine warfare is regarded as a vital part of PLAN's coastal defense doctrine. Large numbers of conventional powered submarines have therefore been in service, and this force makes up the bulk of the PLAN's submarines, making it the third largest submarine force in the world today. The PLAN currently operates five different classes of conventional submarines. In times of war, these submarines can be used for disrupting lines of shipping, laying mines, attacking ships, defending against enemy submarines and later generations of Chinese SSK can employ use of anti-ship missiles. Being quiet underwater combatants, they represent a considerable threat to regional navies.
The second type to be operated also owed its origins to the Soviet Union. The Romeo class was principally based upon late war German U-boats. The Romeo was also copied in China as the Type 033 submarine. Production of this submarine took place since the 1960s until the 1980s (even till the early 1990s). It has been estimated that more than 100 have been produced for the PLAN and for export. The 033 formed the backbone of the PLAN submarine forces, mostly patrolling near the coast. Their main armaments were primitively guided or unguided torpedoes and mines. The 033 generally had very limited ability to engage more advanced submarines in modern warfare as well as being quite vulnerable to modern ASW sensors and weapons. By the late 1990s, a large number of 033s had been retired from active duty and pulled into reserves. A handful of upgraded hulls remain in service. These upgraded hulls have new sonar fits and other improvements that keep them effective as patrol submarines.
The Ming class 035, first commissioned in 1974, is based on the 033. It could be considered as China's first indigenously-designed submarine, despite its similarities to the Romeo class. The Ming did not particularly perform well in initial hulls. One of the first boats was scrapped after a fire. Initial hulls have since also been scrapped, but major improvements and eventual reliability have permitted production to proceed at a rate of one to two boats a year between 1988 and 1995. Following a hiatus, production resumed in the late 1990s and continued until 2001. At least 17 hulls are still in service, with later hulls using modern sonar systems which include the French DUUX-5. The later hulls of the Ming class may have been employed for testing Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), which would significantly reduce the noise level of the submarine. Mings have reportedly been exercising more frequently and making recent incursions into Japanese waters. On one occasion a Ming surfaced briefly within Japanese waters before submerging again. In 2003, Ming 361
was lost with all hands. It was speculated that 361 was testing an AIP system, and that a failure caused the near-instantaneous death of the all crewmembers (as they were found dead in their quarters with the submarine intact).
The PLAN in the 1990s sought to acquire a modern conventional submarine with emphasis on sensors, weaponry, and modern capabilities to engage enemy submarines in modern warfare. In 1994 it ordered two Kilo 877EKM type submarines from Russia, which were delivered by 1995. In 1996, two improved Kilo 636 submarines were ordered, delivered between 1997-1998. In 2002, a $2 billion deal was signed for eight more Kilo 636, these submarines particularly fitted with the capability of launching the Russian Novator 3M-54E Klub S cruise missile capable of engaging land and sea targets at 220 km. The Kilo class represents a huge leap forward in the PLAN submarine fleet. Originally a Soviet design in the 1980s, the Kilo was meant to be one of the world's quietest class of submarines. With 12 Kilos operational by 2006, it is unclear whether PLAN will buy more of these potent vessels.
Despite the purchase of the Kilos, the PLAN has continued to develop indigenous designs. The Song class design was first launched in 1994 with sea trials in 1995. It featured Western influences with a German propulsion system, seven blade skewed propeller and noise-reduction rubber tiles; however, the first hull retained the traditional stepped sail. The first hull was not fully operational until 1999. As a result of the sea trials a significantly modified design emerged as the Song 039A, with a number of improvements, including a conventional sail. Song 039A appears quite similar to the Agosta class in appearance. By 2006 about 12 hulls have been confirmed to be built so far, indicating the class has performed satisfactorily. The Song presents a major milestone to indigenous submarine designs, being comparable in capabilities to contemporary Western submarines. Song submarines are armed with torpedoes and a sub-launched variant of the YJ-8 anti-ship missile. An AIP system may be installed in the future.
Internet photos emerged in 2005 of a new class of submarine dubbed the Yuan class. The hull seems to resemble Russian influences (as it is similar to the Kilo) while also adapting features found on the 039A. The Yuan is expected to adapt an AIP system to achieve maximum quiet operational capabilities. The Yuan could be armed with advanced Russian and Chinese torpedoes and cruise missiles. The Yuan came as a surprise to US military intelligence, as the submarine's existence was entirely unknown until internet images emerged. This class of SSK is expected to have capabilities which surpass the Kilo and Song class SSK designs currently being operated by the PLAN. Series production began late in 2007, with at least two boats identified so far.
In 2003 an explosion on board a diesel-powered submarine killed 70. In
early August 2011 social media in China reported a radiation leak
on board a Type 094 submarine, docked in Dalian
. According to reports, China Era Electronics Corporation was installing an electronic system when the leak occurred.
People's Liberation Army Navy
The People's Liberation Army Navy is the naval branch of the People's Liberation Army , the military of the People's Republic of China. Until the early 1990s, the navy performed a subordinate role to the PLA Land Forces. Since then, it has undergone rapid modernisation...
(the other two are aircraft and attack boats), and when the decision was made in the late 2006 to concentrate on building other principal surface combatants to strengthen the air defense and to further delay the construction of aircraft carriers due to insufficient air cover, submarines will continue to play the lead dominant role in the assault force for the PLAN
People's Liberation Army Navy
The People's Liberation Army Navy is the naval branch of the People's Liberation Army , the military of the People's Republic of China. Until the early 1990s, the navy performed a subordinate role to the PLA Land Forces. Since then, it has undergone rapid modernisation...
.
Conventional attack submarinesSubmarineA submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation below the surface of the water. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability...
(SSKs)SSKSSK may refer to:* SSK, the United States Navy's hull classification symbol for diesel-electric hunter-killer submarines* Mercedes-Benz SSK, a vintage era roadster and racing car* Sentral di Sindikatonan di Korsou, the Trade Union Centre of Curaçao...
- Romeo (Wuhan) class submarine (Type 033G)Romeo class submarineThe Romeo class is a class of Soviet diesel-electric submarine, built in 1950s. The origin of the Romeo class can be traced to the World War II German Type XXI Elektroboot U-boat. At the end of World War II, the Soviets obtained several Type XXIs, from which they were able to obtain certain key...
- 1 boat - Romeo (Ming) class submarine (Type 035)Romeo class submarineThe Romeo class is a class of Soviet diesel-electric submarine, built in 1950s. The origin of the Romeo class can be traced to the World War II German Type XXI Elektroboot U-boat. At the end of World War II, the Soviets obtained several Type XXIs, from which they were able to obtain certain key...
- 17 boats - Kilo class submarineKilo class submarineThe Kilo class is the NATO reporting name for a naval diesel-electric submarine that is made in Russia. The original version of the vessels were designated Project 877 Paltus in Russia. There is also a more advanced version, designated as Improved Kilo in the west, and Project 636 Varshavyanka in...
- 12 boats - Song class submarine (Type 039)Song class submarineThe Type 039 submarine is a class of diesel-electric submarines of the People's Liberation Army Navy...
- 20 boats - Yuan class submarine (Type 041)Yuan class submarineThe Type 041 submarine is a class of diesel-electric submarine in the People's Liberation Army Navy. This class was first launched at Wuhan Shipyard and is the successor of the Type 039...
- 2 boats (more under construction) - Improved Yuan class - 0 (boats under construction)
Total - 52 boats
Conventional ballistic missile submarineBallistic missile submarineA ballistic missile submarine is a submarine equipped to launch ballistic missiles .-Description:Ballistic missile submarines are larger than any other type of submarine, in order to accommodate SLBMs such as the Russian R-29 or the American Trident...
(SSG)
- Golf class (Project 629)Golf class submarineProject 629, also known by the NATO reporting name of Golf class, were diesel electric ballistic missile submarines of the Soviet Navy. They were designed after six Zulu class submarines were successfully modified to carry and launch Scud missiles...
- 1 boat
Total - 1 boat
Nuclear attack submarines (SSNs)SSN (US Navy)SSN is the United States Navy hull classification symbol for a general-purpose fast attack submarine. The SS denotes a submarine, and N denotes nuclear power.-History:...
- Han class (Type 091) - 2 boats
- Shang class (Type 093) - 4 boats (more under construction)
Total - 6 boats
Ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs)Ballistic missile submarineA ballistic missile submarine is a submarine equipped to launch ballistic missiles .-Description:Ballistic missile submarines are larger than any other type of submarine, in order to accommodate SLBMs such as the Russian R-29 or the American Trident...
- Jin class (Type 094) - 4 boats (1 more under construction)
Total - 4 boats
Cruise missile submarines (SSGNs)
- Xia class (Type 092)Xia class submarineThe 6,500-ton Type 092 Daqingyu submarine was the first ballistic missile-carrying, nuclear-powered submarine class deployed by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, and the first SSBN designed and built in Asia...
- Possible conversion of the remaining Xia class SSBNXia class submarineThe 6,500-ton Type 092 Daqingyu submarine was the first ballistic missile-carrying, nuclear-powered submarine class deployed by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, and the first SSBN designed and built in Asia...
into a SSGNSSGNA cruise missile submarine is a submarine that can launch guided missiles. SSGN is the United States Navy hull classification symbol for a nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine. The SS denotes "Ship, Submersible" , the G denotes "guided missile," and the N denotes "nuclear powered"....
Nuclear attack submarine force
Chinese Navy
Two modern navies have been known in English as the Chinese Navy:* People's Liberation Army Navy* Republic of China NavyFor Chinese navies before 1912, see:*Imperial Chinese Navy*Naval history of China...
since the 1950s. Despite ambition and a long history of development, the acquisition of nuclear submarine
Nuclear submarine
A nuclear submarine is a submarine powered by a nuclear reactor . The performance advantages of nuclear submarines over "conventional" submarines are considerable: nuclear propulsion, being completely independent of air, frees the submarine from the need to surface frequently, as is necessary for...
s has been a difficult process. The Cultural Revolution
Cultural Revolution
The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, commonly known as the Cultural Revolution , was a socio-political movement that took place in the People's Republic of China from 1966 through 1976...
greatly disrupted nuclear submarine development. The Sino-Soviet split
Sino-Soviet split
In political science, the term Sino–Soviet split denotes the worsening of political and ideologic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics during the Cold War...
prevented any Soviet assistance in nuclear propulsion, and these propulsion problems have been troublesome to this day.
The first Chinese nuclear powered submarine was laid down in 1967 but not completed until 1974. The Han class has experienced more than 20 years of development, the last of the class not being commissioned until 1990. Only five hulls
Hull (watercraft)
A hull is the watertight body of a ship or boat. Above the hull is the superstructure and/or deckhouse, where present. The line where the hull meets the water surface is called the waterline.The structure of the hull varies depending on the vessel type...
have entered service and have been reported to have experienced nuclear reactor
Nuclear marine propulsion
Nuclear marine propulsion is propulsion of a ship by a nuclear reactor. Naval nuclear propulsion is propulsion that specifically refers to naval warships...
difficulties (though this has been greatly overcome in some aspects by French and subsequent Russian assistance). The Han class since their commission have gone through major upgrades and numerous refits. It is believed that long refits have often meant that these submarines spend more time in port than out at sea, greatly affecting their operational capacity. Combat capabilities of the Han class seem to be undermined by the poor and noisy nuclear reactors. Their initial design and weapons fit seem inadequate if confronting other submarine
Submarine
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation below the surface of the water. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability...
s and ship
Ship
Since the end of the age of sail a ship has been any large buoyant marine vessel. Ships are generally distinguished from boats based on size and cargo or passenger capacity. Ships are used on lakes, seas, and rivers for a variety of activities, such as the transport of people or goods, fishing,...
s in Western navies. Hull 401 (and possibly 402 as well in the near future) has been retired from active service by 2005. All remaining hulls however have been greatly refitted with new sonar
Sonar
Sonar is a technique that uses sound propagation to navigate, communicate with or detect other vessels...
s and anechoic tile
Anechoic tile
Anechoic tiles are rubber or synthetic polymer tiles containing thousands of tiny voids, applied to the outer hulls of military ships and submarines, as well as anechoic chambers...
s (which reduce noise levels). The Han class has mostly operated in local waters, but since the 1990s, Hans have been used more aggressively. A Han shadowed a US carrier battle group
Carrier battle group
A carrier battle group consists of an aircraft carrier and its escorts, together composing the group. The first naval task forces built around carriers appeared just prior to and during World War II. The Imperial Japanese Navy was the first to assemble a large number of carriers into a single...
in the mid-1990s, and more recently, a Han operated around Japanese waters, prompting a Japanese task force
Task force
A task force is a unit or formation established to work on a single defined task or activity. Originally introduced by the United States Navy, the term has now caught on for general usage and is a standard part of NATO terminology...
to chase the submarine out of its territory. Han-class submarines are far from being as capable or effective as their American Los Angeles class
Los Angeles class submarine
The Los Angeles class, sometimes called the LA class or the 688 class, is a class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines that forms the backbone of the United States submarine fleet. With 43 submarines on active duty and 19 retired, the Los Angeles class is the most numerous nuclear powered...
counterparts, but with recent improvements they can pose a great threat by operating deep in the Western Pacific and attacking targets that are less well-protected by ASW
Anti-submarine warfare
Anti-submarine warfare is a branch of naval warfare that uses surface warships, aircraft, or other submarines to find, track and deter, damage or destroy enemy submarines....
coverage.
A new class of SSN has been in development since the 1980s, when the PLAN first sought a replacement for the Han class. Little information has emerged about the Type 093 (Shang class) SSN project
Type 093 submarine
The Type 093 is a nuclear powered attack submarine class deployed by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. These boats are expected to replace the older Type 091 SSNs currently in service...
, but it is believed to have some Russian influence. The 093 design maybe comparable to the Russian Victor III class
Victor class submarine
The Victor class is the NATO reporting name for a type of nuclear-powered submarine that was originally put into service by the Soviet Union around 1967. In the USSR, they were produced as Project 671. Victor-class subs featured a teardrop shape, which allowed them to travel at high speed...
, signifying a significant step forward for Chinese nuclear attack submarines. The 093 has been the focus of much attention from US and Asian military analysts. Its improved capabilities will undoubtedly increase PLAN power in the region and its ability to carry war to the West Pacific. Such submarines can escort future SSBNs
Ballistic missile submarine
A ballistic missile submarine is a submarine equipped to launch ballistic missiles .-Description:Ballistic missile submarines are larger than any other type of submarine, in order to accommodate SLBMs such as the Russian R-29 or the American Trident...
as well as attacking US Navy carrier battle groups in the deep ocean. There have been reports that the first hull was launched around 2001, with a second hull also launched a few years afterwards. Photos of the 093 Shang class were released on the internet in mid-2007, with some photos considered to be from official sources as well, perhaps leading to speculation that the 093 may be declassified.
There have been numerous reports that China has the option of buying or leasing Russian nuclear attack submarines, particularly the Akula class. It is unlikely, however, that Russia in the foreseeable future would be willing to sell such high-level platforms to China, nor is China likely to be interested in wasting money on run-down Russian attack submarines considering the near-completion of the 093 class and development of the 095 class.
China is constructing a major underground nuclear
Nuclear submarine
A nuclear submarine is a submarine powered by a nuclear reactor . The performance advantages of nuclear submarines over "conventional" submarines are considerable: nuclear propulsion, being completely independent of air, frees the submarine from the need to surface frequently, as is necessary for...
submarine base
Submarine base
A submarine base is a military base that shelters submarines and their personnel.Examples of present-day submarine bases include HMNB Clyde, Île Longue , Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Naval Submarine Base New London, and Rybachiy Nuclear Submarine Base .The Israeli navy bases its growing submarine...
near Sanya
Sanya
Sanya is the southernmost city in China and is a part of Hainan Province. In 2006, it had a population of 536,000, making it, after the provincial capital , the second most populous city on the island. The city is renowned for its tropical climate and has emerged as a popular tourist destination,...
, Hainan
Hainan
Hainan is the smallest province of the People's Republic of China . Although the province comprises some two hundred islands scattered among three archipelagos off the southern coast, of its land mass is Hainan Island , from which the province takes its name...
. In December 2007 the first Type 094 submarine
Type 094 submarine
The Type 094 is a new class of ballistic missile submarine developed by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. The first-of-class was constructed at Huludao Shipyard in Huludao, Liaoning Province and launched in July 2004...
was moved to Sanya.http://www.janes.com/news/security/jir/jir080421_1_n.shtml
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph is a daily morning broadsheet newspaper distributed throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. The newspaper was founded by Arthur B...
on 1 May 2008 reported that tunnels were being built into hillsides which could be capable of hiding up to 20 nuclear submarines from spy satellites.
Ballistic missile submarine force
China engaged in the development of submarine launched ballistic missiles since the 1950s, with the acquisition of a single Soviet Golf class conventional powered ballistic missile submarine. The original Golf class design has three launch tubes. Using this single hull, the PLAN acquired experience and tests from this platform. The Golf played a major role in China's JL-1 SLBM development project. The first successful launch of the JL-1 SLBM took place in 1982 from a submerged pontoon, and the first successful launch from a submerged submarine was in 1984 from the Golf test submarine. It is believed the single hull is still serving as a test platform for different missile technologies, as well as a test launcher of the JL-2 missile.China's first SSBN, the Xia 092 class hull 406, was laid down in 1978, launched in 1981 and commissioned by 1983. The JL-1 missile was not ready until the first successful test launch of the missile from the Xia in 1988. Previous launch attempts from 1985 had failed. Its primary weapon is the JL-1 SLBM, with 12 launch tubes, as well as six 533 mm tubes for self defense. Because of only one hull, the PLAN does not possess the capability of the other superpowers to maintain a constant SSBN patrol and has indeed never sent the Xia on a deterrent patrol. The missile's short range also permits the 092 to launch its missiles against regional targets only. Striking targets far away require the submarine to travel dangerously closer to enemy waters. The Xia has since undergone a major modernisation refit, with a new black-coated paint and possibly other improvements with unofficial reports indicating the Xia is now carrying an improved missile, the JL-1A that is alleged to have longer range.
The PLAN currently has plans to acquire a new class of SSBN, with a projected number of between three to six vessels. The 094 is believed to have been heavily influenced by Russian assistance. It features 12 launch tubes for the longer ranged JL-2 missile (contrary to the previously speculated 16), which has an 8000 km range that can carry 3 to 4 MIRVs. The 094 would be permitted to patrol nearer Chinese waters, with the ability to launch its missiles against continental US targets. However the Julang-2 class missiles have repeatedly failed in launch tests.
Recent photos released in the internet by unofficial sources (including alleged satellite images by Google Earth) show at least one operational 094 followed by one or two other hulls being fitted in Huludao submarine facilities. The 094 bears a strong resemblance to the Xia, though being much larger in all aspects and thought to be far more capable.
Conventional submarine force
History
The first class of submarine to be operated by the PLAN was the Soviet Whiskey class. These were little different from the German U-Boat designs used in the later years of World War II. The Whiskey was imported from the Soviet Union and subsequently built in considerable numbers (40+). Most of these hulls have been removed from service by the mid 1990s.The second type to be operated also owed its origins to the Soviet Union. The Romeo class was principally based upon late war German U-boats. The Romeo was also copied in China as the Type 033 submarine. Production of this submarine took place since the 1960s until the 1980s (even till the early 1990s). It has been estimated that more than 100 have been produced for the PLAN and for export. The 033 formed the backbone of the PLAN submarine forces, mostly patrolling near the coast. Their main armaments were primitively guided or unguided torpedoes and mines. The 033 generally had very limited ability to engage more advanced submarines in modern warfare as well as being quite vulnerable to modern ASW sensors and weapons. By the late 1990s, a large number of 033s had been retired from active duty and pulled into reserves. A handful of upgraded hulls remain in service. These upgraded hulls have new sonar fits and other improvements that keep them effective as patrol submarines.
The Ming class 035, first commissioned in 1974, is based on the 033. It could be considered as China's first indigenously-designed submarine, despite its similarities to the Romeo class. The Ming did not particularly perform well in initial hulls. One of the first boats was scrapped after a fire. Initial hulls have since also been scrapped, but major improvements and eventual reliability have permitted production to proceed at a rate of one to two boats a year between 1988 and 1995. Following a hiatus, production resumed in the late 1990s and continued until 2001. At least 17 hulls are still in service, with later hulls using modern sonar systems which include the French DUUX-5. The later hulls of the Ming class may have been employed for testing Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), which would significantly reduce the noise level of the submarine. Mings have reportedly been exercising more frequently and making recent incursions into Japanese waters. On one occasion a Ming surfaced briefly within Japanese waters before submerging again. In 2003, Ming 361
Chinese submarine 361
The submarine hull number No. 361 with name Great Wall # 61 is a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy Type-035AIP conventional diesel/electric submarine. It was reported to have suffered an accident killing all on board in 2003 while at the Bo Hai Sea between North Korea and eastern Shandong...
was lost with all hands. It was speculated that 361 was testing an AIP system, and that a failure caused the near-instantaneous death of the all crewmembers (as they were found dead in their quarters with the submarine intact).
Internet photos emerged in 2005 of a new class of submarine dubbed the Yuan class. The hull seems to resemble Russian influences (as it is similar to the Kilo) while also adapting features found on the 039A. The Yuan is expected to adapt an AIP system to achieve maximum quiet operational capabilities. The Yuan could be armed with advanced Russian and Chinese torpedoes and cruise missiles. The Yuan came as a surprise to US military intelligence, as the submarine's existence was entirely unknown until internet images emerged. This class of SSK is expected to have capabilities which surpass the Kilo and Song class SSK designs currently being operated by the PLAN. Series production began late in 2007, with at least two boats identified so far.
Outlook
The future fleet of conventional Chinese submarines is a deadly quiet force that could perform defensive and offensive operations. The future fleet will compose of the Kilo, Song and Yuan types, as the Romeos and Mings are phased out of service. China is reported to have the option of purchasing the more advanced Russian Amur class SSK. With the success of indigenous programmes, however, future purchases of foreign submarines look relatively unlikely.Accidents
See also List of Chinese military accidentsIn 2003 an explosion on board a diesel-powered submarine killed 70. In
early August 2011 social media in China reported a radiation leak
2011 Type 094 accident
A Type 094 nuclear submarine belonging to China is thought to have suffered a radiation leak in July 2011. Media coverage of the event has been banned, leading to international concern over the handling of the crisis...
on board a Type 094 submarine, docked in Dalian
Dalian
Dalian is a major city and seaport in the south of Liaoning province, Northeast China. It faces Shandong to the south, the Yellow Sea to the east and the Bohai Sea to the west and south. Holding sub-provincial administrative status, Dalian is the southernmost city of Northeast China and China's...
. According to reports, China Era Electronics Corporation was installing an electronic system when the leak occurred.
Future submarines
- SSNSSN (US Navy)SSN is the United States Navy hull classification symbol for a general-purpose fast attack submarine. The SS denotes a submarine, and N denotes nuclear power.-History:...
- Type 095Type 095 submarineThe Type 095 is a proposed class of third generation nuclear-powered attack submarines for the People's Liberation Army Navy of the People's Republic of China....
- Type 097 Qin class
- Type 095
- SSBN
- Type 096Type 096 submarineThe Type 096 submarine is a new class of SSBN rumored to be in development for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy . Little information exists about the project. Some sources suggests that the new submarine will carry 24 SLBMs. It will be the successor to the Type 094 SSBN currently under...
- Type 096
See also
- PLAN Vessel Inventory
- Deep Submergence Rescue VehicleDeep Submergence Rescue VehicleA Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle is a type of Deep Submergence Vehicle used for rescue of downed submarines and clandestine missions. While DSRV is the term most often used by the United States Navy other nations have different designations for their vehicles.- Chinese models :The People's...
— DajiangDajiangType 925 Dajiang is a type of naval auxiliary ship belonging to the People's Republic of China. Each ship is usually equipped with up to two Type 7103 DSRV class Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles...