China is growing as a maritime power and is refocusing their efforts on underwater warfare. Over 30 new submarines have been purchased by the Chinese navy over the last ten years. Diesel-powered attack boats, the SSBNs, are the latest. They have long-range offensive strike capabilities. Compared to their predecessors, the latest submarines are quieter and require less energy.
New type of diesel-powered attack submarine
A new type of diesel-powered attack submarine in China is being commissioned by China's navy, according to reports. The new boat has an unusual sail design that may enhance its stealth. The report includes a photo of a group dining and a handover ceremony to a Type 039 submarine.
Type 039C Yuan will be equipped with four German MTU diesel engines as well as a new cylindrical bow mounted sonar system. This vessel is expected to be able to track enemy ships and protect People's Liberation Army Navy aircraft carrier battlegroups. It also is expected to feature air independent power, or AIP, which allows the ship to cruise longer and recharge its batteries. The Chinese navy currently owns the largest fleet AIP submarines.
Long-range offensive strikes capabilities
China's navy is investing large in its submarine fleet with the goal of increasing their offensive capabilities. The SSBNs must be able to withstand extreme conditions in order for China to remain credible. Although Beijing has made great efforts to make its nuclear submarines more resilient, there are still many challenges.
The Chinese Navy currently has 41 modern diesel submarines. Most are equipped with cruise missiles and torpedoes. These submarines can strike targets on the surface at distances up to ten to twenty-miles, far beyond the detection range of the vessel's sensors.
Bastion strategy
Although the Chinese government has not officially acknowledged the bastion strategy for submarine deployment, many military analysts believe that Beijing is systematically implementing it. The South China Sea's north and central areas are sufficiently deep for large nuclear submarines to be accommodated. They are also naturally sound-resistant because of their salt content and high temperature, which is a good thing for Chinese SSBNs. Submarines can easily be protected from the air and water.
The Soviet Union used a "bastion” strategy to defend its nuclear submarine fleet during the Cold War. Bastion refers to a large area that is surrounded with friendly shorelines and heavily defended by surface forces. In the case of the Soviet Union, the Sea of Okhotsk and Barents Sea served as bastions for their submarine fleets. This strategy is still very important for both the Russian Northern Fleet and the Pacific Fleet.