Mystery of the Deep: China Unveils Its Most Advanced Submarine
China once again surprises the world by unveiling its most advanced submarine, which promises to be a true breakthrough in the field of military technology. The submarine’s extended hull length, which exceeds the characteristics of other conventional submarines, suggests the inclusion of vertical missile launchers (VLS). These innovations will open up new strategic opportunities for the Chinese Navy, significantly enhancing its military power at the global level.
China’s new submarine: innovations and mysteries in designing the future fleet
A new submarine has been unveiled at a Chinese shipyard in Wuhan that has the potential to be the most advanced non-nuclear submarine in service with the Chinese Navy. Even though the event took place
virtually unnoticed by the general public, it aroused interest among naval experts due to the many innovative solutions used in the design of this submarine. Details about the new Chinese submarine were highlighted in a Naval News publication on August 21.
China has traditionally refrained from actively promoting its submarines and prefers to provide limited information to the media, unlike other countries. However, something is still known about the newest submarine.
Features of the submarine
One of the key features of the new submarine was the use of X-shaped rudders, first used on Chinese submarines. This design improves maneuverability, especially in shallow water, which can provide a significant advantage in tactical operations. Previously, such rudders were used only on ultra-large underwater unmanned vehicles (XLUUV), which emphasizes the technological leap implemented in this project.
Experts believe that the new submarine is a further development of the Type-039C Yuan class, which is already in service with the Chinese fleet. However, the new submarine features a significantly elongated hull, which may indicate the presence of a vertical launch system (VLS) – a feature rarely found on conventional submarines, which are usually characterized by more compact dimensions.
If speculation about the presence of a vertical missile launch system (VLS) on this new Chinese submarine turns out to be correct, this will provide the Chinese Navy with additional and very significant capabilities, the publication notes.
The introduction of VLS, especially on conventional submarines, represents a major technological step that could dramatically change tactical and strategic scenarios in the region.
The vertical missile launch system will allow the submarine not only to increase its firepower, but also to expand the range of missile systems used. For example, the submarine will be able to deploy anti-ship ballistic missiles designed to destroy sea targets at long distances. Ground-launched missiles are also possible, providing additional flexibility in retaliating against ground targets and strengthening China’s strategic position.
Such an arsenal will significantly enhance the combat potential of Chinese submarine forces. VLS-equipped submarines will be capable of performing more complex combat missions, including strategic deterrence and precision attack. This will make Chinese submarine forces more universal and multifunctional, which is especially important in the context of modern military-political realities.
The introduction of the vertical launch system (VLS) to conventional submarines demonstrates not only a technological breakthrough, but also the ambitious goals of the Chinese navy. This move allows Chinese submarines to effectively compete with the world’s leading navies and strengthens their position in the strategic balance of power in the international arena.
The arrival of such a submarine marks the continued strengthening of China’s naval power. If the new submarine is indeed equipped with VLS, it could take its place among the most powerful non-nuclear submarines in the world fleet. This will require the world’s navies to reconsider their strategies, since the Chinese fleet, with new capabilities, will no longer be perceived as a local force, but will turn into a significant global threat.
Let us recall that on June 19, in honor of the 70th anniversary of the creation of China’s submarine force, the NVAC Navy demonstrated a new submarine with a unique design, Type 039C.