Like Russia, the Chinese submarine fleet consists of nuclear-powered ships and conventionally powered models. Although significantly less efficient, particularly on the high seas, the latter nevertheless prove to be much more economical to produce, and do not require a nuclear unit to train their crew.
For Russia, these conventional submarines are mainly used in coastal areas, and in certain narrow seas, such as the Baltic Sea or the Black Sea. The Chinese Navy deploys them mainly in the South China Sea, to protect access, and thus ensure the security of the nuclear ballistic missile submarines, which operate there, and of large naval units, such as the carriers. -planes, which train there.
The latest model of Chinese conventionally powered submarines, the Type 039C, entered service only two years ago. In fact, the observation made a few weeks ago of a new model of submarine, launched by the Wuchang shipyards, is surprising. Especially since the new ship seems very different from the Type 039, and could represent the first unit of a new class of conventional submarines, with ocean capabilities.
In this section:
Chinese submarine production is evolving at full speed
The Chinese Navy has admitted into service over the past 20 years no less than 36 new submarines, almost two each year. Among them, 23 are modern conventional propulsion models Type 039/G Song class, and Type 039A/B Yuan class, vessels recognized for being efficient and discreet, notably equipped with a Stirling-type anaerobic AIP system, which extends diving autonomy.
In 2020, a new version of the Yuan class appeared. Named Type 039C, this one sports a redesigned diamond-shaped kiosk, like the new Swedish A26, which is supposed to reduce acoustic radiation in the face of active sonars, unless it is, another hypothesis put forward, a new system for deploying a sonar train.
Anyway, the first Type 039C only entered service in 2022, while at least two new copies have been launched since. We could, therefore, think that like the Type 039B, produced from 2011 to 2019, the new version of the Yuan would also be produced exclusively throughout the 2020 decade.
Apparently, this is not the case. Indeed, recent satellite photos of the Wuchang shipyards, the very ones which are building, as discreetly as possible, the new Chinese submarines, have shown a brand new model appearing from the end of June 2024, along the docks of the shipyard.
New submarine equipped with St. Andrew's cross appeared in satellite images of Wuchang shipyard
Longer by at least 7 meters than the Type 039B, the new submarine also seems more imposing, with a submerged tonnage which could exceed 4000 tonnes, compared to 3500 tonnes for the Yuan.
The photos being not very detailed, we do not know if this lengthening allowed the Wuchang shipyards to add a vertical missile launch system to the ship, as is the case with the South Korean Dosan Anh Changho, but also, it seems he, of the new North Korean submarine Hero Kim Gun-ok.
Even more surprising, the Chinese submarine is equipped with a Saint Andrew's cross rudder. This configuration, now used on many new models of Western submarines, including the French Suffren, gives the ship better maneuverability and increased acoustic discretion. In addition, it allows the vessel to move closer to the bottom, or to the relief, without risking scratching the paint.
This configuration being also retained for the new Type 09V nuclear attack submarines of the Chinese Navy, we can assume that the new conventional submarine observed will be, like the SSN, equipped with a pump-jet, even if the Current images can neither confirm nor refute this hypothesis.
A possible new class of Chinese conventional ocean-going submarines
In recent years, shipyards have produced, for experimental purposes, several demonstrators which were not intended to give birth to a new class of ship, but simply to test particular configurations and technological solutions.
Thus, in 2018, a submarine without a kiosk appeared, close to the conceptual research then published by Naval Group with the SMX-31. However, as the vessel was only 30 meters long, it quickly became apparent that it was too compact to become an operational class of submarine, and certainly too imposing, to form a mini-intelligence submarine solution or employed by special forces, on a large scale.
The new submarine observed is around 85 meters long, it is likely that this time it is indeed a vessel with an operational vocation, intended to become the lead unit of a new class.
Furthermore, due to its increased size, the submarine could have extended performance, vis-à-vis the Yuan, and enter the category of conventional submarines with oceanic capabilities, such as the French Blacksword Barracuda, the more Spanish S-81, and the Japanese Taigei.
This is especially true since some time ago, Chinese engineers announced that they were ready to equip their new conventionally powered submarines with lithium-ion batteries, rather than the Type 039A AIP system. These new batteries, much more efficient than the lead acids used until now, offer a greatly increased autonomy during diving, a much higher power output, a much faster recharge capacity, and simplified maintenance.
The fact is, if the new ship observed is actually equipped with these batteries and a pump-jet, it could be equipped with performances without equivalents in the Chinese Navy, flirting with those of the most efficient Western ships, such as the Japanese Taigei, the French Blacksword and Scorpene Evolved, or the German Type 212.
China's submarine fleet is modernizing to protect beyond the first circle of islands around the South China Sea.
It must be said that, for Beijing, the stakes are high. Indeed, Chinese shipyards are not yet able to produce nuclear attack submarines on a forced basis, as do, for example, Russian or American shipyards, producing between 1 and 2 new ships. every year.
In fact, the Chinese Navy has no other choice but to still rely massively on its conventionally powered submarines, including to protect access to the South China Sea, where Chinese SSBNs are evolving in particular. .
If the new submarine observed actually complies with the hypotheses mentioned, it will be able to evolve much further, faster, and more discreetly than the Type 039, allowing it to deploy around the second circle of islands surrounding the China Sea, and thus, to block certain access opening the door to Taiwan, in the event of a military operation against the island, or even to allow Chinese SSBNs to leave the China Sea, to dilute in the Pacific.
The Chinese SSNs, for their part, will then be able to devote themselves fully to escorting Capital ships, particularly aircraft carriers, and closing the high seas curtain, off the coast of Taiwan.
Conclusion
In fact, the arrival of these new submarines, if proven, could well open up a whole new operational field for the Chinese Navy, particularly for implement a naval blockade around the autonomous island, a hypothesis now favored by Western planners, on this subject.
However, we will certainly have to be very patient to learn more about this new ship, and about the possible emergence of a new class of conventional submarines with ocean capabilities, within the Chinese Navy. The latter is, in fact, increasingly stingy with comments on its means, and ever more vigilant as to the information that can be distilled on this subject on Chinese social networks.
Article from July 30 in full version until September 14, 2024
