China is becoming a maritime power that is expanding its reach and refocusing its efforts to subsea warfare. Over 30 new submarines have been purchased by the Chinese navy over the last ten years. The latest SSBNs were built using diesel-powered attack vessels. They are capable of long-range, offensive strike capabilities. They require less energy and are quieter than previous submarines.
New type diesel-powered attack submarine
According to reports, China has ordered a new type for its attack submarines powered by diesel. It has a unique sail design, which may increase its stealth. A photo from the report shows sailors eating and handing over a Type 039 submarine.
Type 039C Yuan is equipped with four German MTU diesel engine and a new cylindrical, bow-mounted sonar. This vessel will be able to track enemy vessels and protect People's Liberation Army Navy fighter battlegroups. It is also expected that it will have air independence power (or AIP), allowing the ship to cruise for longer periods and recharge its batteries. The Chinese navy currently has the largest fleet of AIP submarines.
Long-range offensive strike capabilities
With the aim of increasing its offensive capabilities, the Chinese navy is investing heavily into its submarine fleet. But in order to maintain its credibility, the SSBNs must be survivable. Although Beijing has made great efforts to make its nuclear submarines more resilient, there are still many challenges.
Up to date, 41 modern diesel submarines have been acquired by the Chinese Navy. Most are equipped with cruise missiles and torpedoes. These submarines can strike surface targets up to ten-to-twenty miles away, which is far greater than the detection range for the target vessel's sensors.
Bastion strategy
The bastion strategy is an approach to submarine deployment that the Chinese government has not yet officially acknowledged, but many military analysts believe Beijing has been systematically implementing it. The northern and central parts of the South China Sea are sufficiently deep to house large nuclear submarines. The submarines are also sound-resistant due to the high salt content and water temperature. This is an advantage for Chinese SSBNs. You can also receive surface and aerial protection from the submarines.
To defend its nuclear submarine fleet, the Soviet Union employed a "bastion" strategy during the Cold War. The bastion concept involves a large area that is surrounded by friendly shorelines and heavily patrolled by surface forces. For the Soviet Union the Sea of Okhotsk & Barents Sea were used as bastions for their submarine ships. The strategy is still relevant for the Russian Northern, and Pacific Fleets.