The Yuan-class is a NATO reporting name. In recent years, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy has been busy building attack subs. These large conventional submarines are similar to the Russian Kilo-class. They can operate in deep water in the near-seas. They can also serve as cruise missile platforms that are very effective against ships.
There are three types of Yuan-class submarines. Each has a different sail design. They are known by the Type 039A Type 039C Type 041. The first version was built at Wuhan Shipyard and was exhibited at the China Naval Modernization report to the United States Congress in 2005. Rumours say that the second Yuan might be under construction. These vessels are expected join the PLAN fleet by 2028.
According to Chinese-language Internet sources, the new Yuan measures 77.2 meters in length. It is believed to have an even wider beam than the Song. The optronic masts and periscopes on the new boats are much more effective that the rubber tiles used in earlier vessels.
The Type-035 Ming Class submarines' forecase was modified in 2010 with a chined, upper sail. A towed array sonar is also installed by the Chinese Navy on its vessels. In the future, it is possible that the Yuan class will be equipped with long-range antisubmarine ballistic missiles.
The Yuan-class was recently assessed by the US Naval Institute as an anti-ship cruise-missile platform. They also assessed their ability to operate under water and at sea. They determined that the submarine's AIP could keep it underwater for up to two week. They also found that the submarine could carry small missiles out. The C-802 long-range cruise missile, which can travel up to 180 km, is fitted to the submarine.
In his essay, Holst incorrectly concluded that the Yuan-class submarines carried the C-802 ASCM. Holst asserts that the submarines were constructed with this weapon. However, the US intelligence community requires all submarines carrying a missile to have 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. In fact, China has already built thirteen Type 039 submarines, with at least four more expected by 2023. China's Type 039A submarine was launched in 2005. It was built at Wuhan Shipyard. The submarine completed sea trials during 2006. The information on the other variants is still not available.
China's Yuan -class submarines have been exported to Thailand. Pakistan, Myanmar and Pakistan since July 2010. China announced plans to acquire eight more submarines to be used in its navy. The Chinese Navy is expected to have at least 25 Yuan-class submarines in service by 2025.