China has a new type of submarine, and it's very dangerous

A new type of submarine has appeared in China, which can pose a serious threat. It can be equipped with cruise missiles. 

David Ax writes about it for The Telegraph. Previously, on satellite images, naval expert Thomas Shugart discovered a sample of a diesel-electric attack submarine type 039, equipped with a small auxiliary nuclear power plant – an innovation that could increase the underwater endurance of this type of submarine. But more recent images indicate that this submarine appears to have sunk. 

But the new type, the footage of which surfaced at the beginning of October, should appear this year. The new Type 093B submarine is slightly larger than the older Type 093. It is similar to America's latest Block V “Virginia” submarines, which are 460 feet (140 m) long and displace 10,200 tons. The US is equipping its ships with Tomahawk cruise missiles, and China is building the CJ-10 missile, which is roughly similar to the US.

If, as predicted, the Chinese Navy will eventually build a dozen Type 093B submarines, each with 18 vertical missile mines each – as provided by the project documentation – then they will have more than 200 submarine-launched cruise missiles at the ready. 

“How quickly Chinese shipyards will be able to build these vessels is unclear. It could take decades. But astute observers know that one should never underestimate China's industrial potential – especially when it comes to armaments. Determined efforts may allow to launch a dozen submarines of the 093B type in a few years” – emphasizes Aks. 

According to the author, this shows that China is trying to match its potential with the USA – and is trying very hard.

“This effort should at least give the Chinese Navy a powerful new capability: long-range stealth strike. The potential is sure to add,” – summarizes David Ax.