[20], In June 2015 the Thai government purchased three export variant of the Yuan-class (Type 039B or Type 041) diesel-electric submarines from Beijing at $383 million each. As a result of the sea trials a significantly modified designs emerged, with a number of improvements, including a conventional sail. In 2017 and 2018 China sold two Type 053H3 frigates to Bangladesh and four Type 054A frigates to Pakistan. The Han-class experienced more than 20 years of development, with the last of the class not being commissioned until 1990. The first submarine is expected to be delivered in the early 2020s. With 12 Kilos operational by 2006, it is unclear whether PLAN will buy more of these potent vessels. © 2020 Forbes Media LLC. The Yuan-class came as a surprise to US military intelligence, as the submarine's existence was entirely unknown until internet images emerged. The Naval Vessels Naming Regulation prescribes the following prefixes for submarines under PLANSF. [18] China is also expected to have received a Russian Amur-class submarine. This is similar to U.S. Navy submarines. [6] U.S. Congress, House, House Select Intelligence Committee, China's Global Naval Strategy and Expanding Force Structure: Pathway to Hegemony, Testimony by James Fannell, 17 May 2018; in Nexus Uni, https://advance.lexis.com. This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, or agents. In 1994 it ordered two Kilo-class 877EKM type submarines from Russia, which were delivered by 1995. You may opt-out by. Copyright 2020. [23] Kevin Wong, “China targets export market with latest submarine designs,” Jane’s 360, 12 December 2017, www.janes.com. Play the new NTI game "Hair Trigger" to learn more. 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. The Project 877 vessels are 72.9 meters long with a 9.9-meter-wide-beam and can travel 20 knots when submerged. Engaging U.S. voters about the urgency to reduce nuclear and other WMD threats. [10], China possesses four operational Jin-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). Submarine warfare is regarded as a vital part of PLAN's coastal defense doctrine. The submarine proliferation resource collection is designed to highlight global trends in the sale and acquisition of diesel- and nuclear-powered submarines. Such submarines can escort future ballistic missile submarines as well as attacking US Navy carrier battle groups in the deep ocean. Little information has emerged about the Type 093 submarine (Shang—class), but it is believed to have some Russian influence. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. sail which is similar to U.S. Navy submarines. While the PLAN is currently developing its nuclear-powered submarine capabilities, its diesel-electric submarine fleet remains the backbone of China’s submarine forces. [14] "Project 877EKM/636 Kilo Class Diesel-Electric Submarine," 25 December 2005, web.archive.org.

Singer, “First Picture of China’s Secretive New Submarine,” Popsci, 23 June 2016, www.popsci.com. Submarines have long been one of the three focuses of the People's Liberation Army Navy (the other two are aircraft and major surface combatants), and when the decision was made in 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.

According to international submarine warfare analyst H.I. Two straightforward questions are whether they are as good at staying hidden, and whether they are as good at detecting others. Sutton, the Chinese 11,000-ton Type 094 Jin Class submarine suddenly emerged from the deep among a … Its primary weapon is the JL-1 SLBM, with 12 launch tubes, as well as six 533 mm tubes for self-defense. 1776 Eye Street, NW Historically many Chinese military products have been heavily influenced by other countries’ designs. [3] It was commissioned in 1983 and entered into service in 1987.