Durante las celebraciones del “NAVY Day” del People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) de China, esa fuerza presentó las capacidades y especificaciones técnicas de su flota de submarinos. Integrada por 4 clases de plataformas, desde los de propulsión “diesel – eléctrica” hasta los de propulsión nuclear, tienen la capacidad de cubrir todo tipo de misiones, tanto las operaciones convencionales hasta las de disuasión estratégica. Desde los años 50’s del siglo pasado en que se iniciaron los primeros programas específicos, este país ha adquirido la independencia tecnológica en el área de plataformas submarinas, con el objetivo de estar en condiciones para hacer frente a los futuros potenciales conflictos en el Mar del Sur de China y en el estrecho de Taiwan.
As reported by DS北风（风哥）on April 23, 2025, during Navy Day celebrations, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) released key technical specifications for four submarine classes (Type 636, 039, 093, and 094), which represent different segments of its underwater fleet. The event included official posters displaying performance data for both diesel-electric and nuclear-powered submarines used for conventional missions and strategic nuclear deterrence. This release provides a rare insight into the composition and capabilities of China’s submarine forces as the race for domination of the Indo-Pacific accelerates.
China’s submarine program originated in the 1950s, beginning with technical assistance from the Soviet Union. Under the 1950 Sino-Soviet Friendship Treaty, China received documentation for Soviet diesel-electric submarines, specifically the Whiskey- and Romeo-class models. This support enabled the domestic production of the Type 033 variant, with 84 units completed between 1962 and 1984. These submarines included modifications such as improved sonar and reduced acoustic signatures. In the 1970s, China moved towards self-sufficiency with the development of the Type 035 (Ming-class), its first domestically designed diesel-electric submarine series.
China’s nuclear-powered submarine program was initiated in 1958 with the launch of the “09 Project.” Despite the significant political and economic disruptions of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, China commissioned its first nuclear-powered submarine, the Type 091 (Han-class), in 1974. This marked China’s entry into the group of states operating nuclear-powered submarines. The Han-class formed the basis for subsequent nuclear designs, with continuous refinements made over the following decades.
China’s transition from Soviet-based to indigenous submarine production has continued over several generations. Following the Type 035, the Type 039 (Song-class) and the later Type 039A (Yuan-class) submarines introduced technologies such as air-independent propulsion (AIP), which improved submerged endurance and acoustic discretion. The Yuan-class began entering service in the early 2000s and remains a key element of China’s conventional submarine force.
Between 2022 and 2025, China is reported to have produced seven to eight Type 093B (Shang-class) nuclear-powered attack submarines, a figure that exceeds the output of the past three decades. This increase in production reflects a strategic decision to expand long-range undersea capabilities. The PLAN is also expected to field new Type 095 submarines, with further performance enhancements. By 2035, the submarine fleet is projected to reach approximately 80 units, comprising both diesel-electric and nuclear-powered types, with efforts focused on replacing older platforms and increasing capability.
China’s submarine fleet is used for strategic and operational roles, including maritime surveillance, anti-ship warfare, and nuclear deterrence. A central component of the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) deterrence posture is the deployment of ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), such as the Type 094 (Jin-class), which are equipped with JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). These submarines are intended to enable a continuous at-sea deterrence capability and support second-strike nuclear options.
Chinese submarines routinely operate in critical areas, including the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. In June 2024, a Type 094 submarine surfaced in the Taiwan Strait, reportedly due to a technical failure. Such events illustrate the operational complexity and sensitivity of these deployments. China continues to allocate resources to technologies such as pump-jet propulsion to improve the stealth and acoustic performance of its submarine fleet. The strategic use of submarines remains integral to China’s broader maritime strategy and its evolving naval doctrine.
The Type 636 submarine is the Chinese designation for Russia’s Improved Kilo-class (Project 636/636M), a diesel-electric attack submarine developed by the Rubin Design Bureau and introduced in the 1990s as an evolution of the 1980s-era Project 877 Paltus. China began importing these submarines from Russia in the mid-1990s to modernize its conventional submarine fleet. The deal was finalized during a period of closer Sino-Russian defense cooperation and involved at least eight Project 636M units between 2004 and 2006. Designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, the Type 636 addressed regional naval challenges, particularly those posed by U.S. and Taiwanese maritime forces. Known for its low acoustic signature and operational versatility, the class significantly upgraded the PLAN’s diesel-electric submarine capabilities and influenced subsequent indigenous designs like the Type 039 and 039A/B Yuan-class.
China currently operates eight Project 636M submarines and two older Project 636 units, bringing the total to ten Improved Kilo-class boats. These submarines displace approximately 3,950 tons when submerged and reach speeds of 20 knots underwater. With a range of up to 7,500 nautical miles on snorkel and an endurance of 45 days, they are suited for extended patrols. They are equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching 18 torpedoes or deploying 24 naval mines. Some are also configured to fire 3M-54E1 anti-ship cruise missiles with a range of 220 km. The sonar suite includes MGK-400EM digital sonar and flank arrays, offering detection capabilities significantly beyond those of legacy Chinese SSKs. Designed with a double-hull structure and extensive use of anechoic tiles, these submarines are considered among the quietest non-AIP diesel boats in service globally.
The Type 636, representing one of China’s conventional diesel-electric submarines, was detailed during Chinese Navy Day as having a length of approximately 75 meters and a beam of about 11 meters. According to the publicly released specifications, it displaces around 2,000 tons on the surface and approximately 3,000 tons when submerged. The vessel is capable of reaching a maximum speed of about 23 knots and can dive to depths of around 200 meters. These attributes align with the performance profile of the Kilo-class submarines on which the Type 636 is based and reflect their role in regional maritime operations, balancing stealth and maneuverability.
In contrast, the Type 039 submarine, also part of the conventional fleet, is described as having a length of approximately 80 meters and a beam of around 10 meters. It displaces roughly 3,000 tons on the surface and about 4,000 tons submerged. With a top speed of around 20 knots and a maximum diving depth of approximately 400 meters, the Type 039 offers greater operational reach and reflects an evolution from earlier conventional designs. It likely features air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, although this was not explicitly mentioned in the specifications displayed, reinforcing its endurance and stealth in littoral and near-sea environments.
The Type 039, or Song-class, was China’s first domestically developed diesel-electric submarine to feature a teardrop hull and modern sonar systems. Development began in the early 1990s at Wuhan Shipbuilding and Jiangnan Shipyard as a replacement for the older Type 035 Ming-class submarines. The lead boat, Changcheng 320, was launched in 1994 and commissioned in 1999. Initial design flaws related to noise and hydrodynamics limited the first boat’s performance, prompting significant design revisions. These refinements led to the creation of the Type 039G and G1 variants between 2001 and 2006, which addressed noise issues and incorporated acoustic coatings and hull modifications. The design shows influence from Russian Kilo-class boats and incorporates foreign technology, including German diesel engines and sonar components derived from French Thomson-CSF systems.
A total of 13 Type 039 submarines were built between 1999 and 2006, all of which remain in active service. Previously thought to displace 2,250 tons when submerged, each vessel was estimated to measure 74.9 meters in length and features six 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching 18 torpedoes, including the Yu-4 and Yu-6, or alternatively deploying 36 naval mines. The Song-class may also be equipped with YJ-82 anti-ship missiles and has reportedly tested underwater launches of the CY-1 ASW missile. The submarines incorporate medium- and low-frequency sonar systems based on French technology, providing tracking capabilities up to 30 km. The G variants feature a more streamlined sail, enhanced electronic support measures (ESM), and a reduced acoustic signature. Although no longer cutting-edge, the class represents a critical developmental step between the older Ming-class and the more advanced Type 039A/B Yuan-class.
The Type 093, for its part, represents China’s second-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine program, conceived to replace the outdated Type 091. Work began in the 1980s but gained significant momentum only in the mid-1990s amid growing maritime tensions and a strategic shift under Jiang Zemin. Russian assistance reportedly influenced both hydrodynamic and acoustic design, though initial Type 093 units suffered from performance shortcomings, particularly in speed and noise levels. These early challenges delayed further production while shipyards prioritized the parallel development of the Type 094 SSBN. Eventually, the Type 093A was introduced between 2015 and 2018, benefiting from acoustic damping technologies derived from Russian Kilo-class submarines. Later developments culminated in the Type 093B, which introduced pump-jet propulsion, possibly signifying China’s first credible effort toward quieter, missile-capable nuclear attack submarines.
The nuclear-powered Type 093 attack submarine represents a shift toward strategic offensive capability. Publicly disclosed data lists its length as approximately 120 meters and its beam as around 13 meters. The submarine has a surfaced displacement of roughly 5,000 tons and an underwater displacement of about 8,000 tons. It can achieve speeds up to 28 knots and dive to depths of approximately 400 meters. These features suggest a platform optimized for extended patrols, escort missions for strategic submarines, and potential anti-submarine warfare roles. Its propulsion system provides the endurance and speed necessary for ocean-going operations, likely making it a key element in China’s growing blue-water ambitions.
As of early 2025, six Type 093 submarines are confirmed in service with the PLA Navy, including two original Type 093 units and four improved 093A variants. At least four more Type 093B boats were launched between May 2022 and January 2023, with several expected to enter service by 2025. According to earlier data, the original 093 measured 108.5 meters in length, while the 093B extended slightly to 110 meters. All were reported to displace between 6,675 and 6,700 tons submerged and feature two pressurized water reactors powering either conventional propellers or, in the 093B, pump-jet systems. Estimated speeds ranged from 28 to 30 knots. Armament includes six 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching Yu-3, Yu-4, and Yu-6 torpedoes, as well as YJ-18 and YJ-82 cruise missiles. Sonar fits include hull-mounted, flank, intercept, and towed array systems. The 093B’s design aims for lower acoustic signatures, reportedly nearing Soviet Project 945 Sierra-class levels.
The Type 094 strategic nuclear submarine, designed to serve as a second-strike platform, was revealed to be approximately 135 meters long and 13 meters wide. Its surfaced displacement is around 8,000 tons, increasing to about 11,000 tons when submerged. With a top speed of roughly 30 knots and a maximum diving depth of approximately 400 meters, this submarine forms the backbone of China’s sea-based nuclear deterrent. While armament details were not disclosed during the event, the vessel is generally believed to be equipped with JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), reinforcing its role in strategic deterrence within the nuclear triad.
The Type 094 submarine program was initiated in the 1990s to provide China with a second-generation sea-based nuclear deterrent, replacing the limited Type 092 (Xia-class). Its development was closely tied to that of the Type 093, with which it shares several design elements, including the teardrop hull. The first hull was laid down in 1999 and commissioned in 2007. The class is considered China’s first viable ballistic missile submarine platform, designed to carry JL-2 SLBMs. Early models faced criticism for high acoustic signatures—reported at 120 dB, similar to 1980s Los Angeles-class SSNs—raising doubts about survivability in contested waters. Despite this, the strategic value of the Type 094 is significant, providing China with a continuous-at-sea deterrent since late 2015. A newer variant, the 094A, incorporates improved acoustic shaping and a redesigned sail, with integration of JL-3 SLBMs reportedly extending effective range to over 10,000 km.
The Chinese Navy currently operates six Type 094 submarines, with the latest two belonging to the improved 094A variant. These nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines are estimated to be around 137 meters long, displace up to 11,000 tons submerged, and carry a crew of approximately 140. Each submarine is equipped with 12 missile silos for JL-2 or JL-3 SLBMs, providing strategic reach over regional and intercontinental distances. The JL-2 has a reported range of 7,200 km, while the newer JL-3 exceeds 10,000 km, allowing China to target the continental United States from secure patrol zones in the South China Sea. Defensive armament includes six 533 mm torpedo tubes. Improvements in sail design and internal systems reportedly enhance survivability, but acoustic noise levels remain a significant limitation relative to U.S. or Russian SSBNs. Nevertheless, the Type 094 is central to China’s nuclear triad and forms the backbone of its undersea strategic deterrence posture.
Fuente: https://armyrecognition.com
