Known as the Yuan-class in the NATO reporting system, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has been busy building attack submarines in recent years. These large-sized conventional submarines look a lot like the Russian Kilo-class. They are designed to operate in deep water areas in near-seas. They are also capable of operating in deep water areas and near-seas, making them very effective antiship cruise missile platforms.
There are three types Yuan class submarines. Each one has a unique sail design. They are called the Type 039A, Type 039C and Type 041. The first version was manufactured at Wuhan Shipyard. Rumours say that the second Yuan might be under construction. These vessels will be joining the PLAN's fleet in 2028.
According to Chinese Internet-language Internet, the new Yuan is 77.2 metres in length. It is believed to have an even wider beam than the Song. The boats are equipped with an optronic mast (and periscopes), which are likely to be much more effective than the rubber tiles on older vessels.
The aft casing on the Type-035 Ming Class submarines was modified with a chined upper sail around 2010. The Chinese Navy also has a towed array sonar installed on the vessels. The Yuan-class is expected to be equipped with longer-range antisubmarine missiles.
The Yuan-class was recently assessed by the US Naval Institute as an anti-ship cruise-missile platform. They also assessed the submarines’ ability to operate in deep waters and near-seas. They found that the submarine's AIP was capable of keeping it submerged for at least two weeks. The submarine also has a small missile loadout. The C-802 is a long-range cruise missile that can reach up to 180km.
Holst's essay incorrectly concluded that Yuan-class submarines had the C-802 ASCM. Holst claims that these submarines were made with this weapon. However US intelligence has required that any submarine carrying a missile carry dedicated launchers. The Yuan-class is believed to have two or more air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, which means that the submarine does not have to have a separate oxygen supply. AIP systems are also capable of allowing modern SSKs to stay submerged up to four weeks.
The Chinese Navy also has a long history of building submarines, and the Yuan-class is just one of the latest additions to the fleet. China has constructed thirteen Type 039A subs. Four more are expected by 2023. China's Type 039A submarine was first built in 2005. It was built at Wuhan Shipyard. The submarine completed sea trials during 2006. But, it is unknown if the other variants are still available.
China's Yuan class submarines were exported to Thailand and Myanmar as of July 2010. China has also announced plans to purchase eight more submarines for use in its own navy. By 2025, the Chinese Navy will have at least 25 Yuan class submarines in service.