According to the Russian world arms trade and Analysis Center on Sept. 23 reported by the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, Wuhan Shipyard for the construction of a Chinese Navy’s newest “Yuan” class conventional submarines was launched on September 9.
Some Western analysts point out, “Yuan” class submarine project was implemented in China since 1994, the third conventional submarine program. They believe that China’s rapidly expanding submarine force levels in Southeast Asia, the move will trigger a new round of conventional submarines competition.
The newly built “Yuan” class submarines in the photo on September 10 was first announced, experts are only beginning to be seen as mischievous netizens, but in two days, with a more clear picture were released, they are to be convinced, “Yuan” class submarine is real.
“Yuan” class submarines in the displacement of about 3000-4000 tons, tail size than China’s conventional submarines before the development of significantly increased, and Russia’s 667-type “Lada” class similar.
However, China has yet to announce the “Yuan” class submarines of any performance data. Military experts point out that parts of the submarine’s bridge has been extended, possibly to set the submarine-launched anti-ship cruise missiles, air defense missile systems, or new life-saving module. China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation in 2008 at the Zhuhai air show had a diminished version of the C-705 anti-ship missiles. Taking into account the size of the data, the missile is entirely possible that China’s new submarine to be installed near the bridge. In addition, the “Yuan” class submarines are likely to also take a double shell designed to improve survival.
According to existing materials, while several have been “meta” class submarines equipped with not AIP. In addition, the news had been confirmed, the Chinese developed with the French MESMA anaerobic fuel power plant similar to the components and exhaust gas recirculation system.
In the 1994-2006 period, China purchased the Russian Navy a total of 8 636 and 4 877 type conventionally powered submarines. In addition to submarines purchased from Russia, China between 1994-2004 is also equipped with 13 039 made in China “Song” class submarines. According to the U.S. Department of Defense estimates, the Chinese navy will build up to 15 “dollars” class submarines, built to open in mid-2010 has five. The rapid expansion of China’s submarine force has caused the East Asian and Southeast Asian countries in response measures.
July this year, news that Japan has decided to develop its naval power development plan, ready to be the number of submarines from the 16 to 20 vessels. Experts believe that if the submarine extension of active duty service time, Japan will be the final number of submarines equipped with up to 25 vessels.
In addition, Korea is also expanding submarine force strength. In addition to continuing production under license in Germany 9 209/1200 submarines, but South Korea also plans to KSS-2 by 2020 within the framework of the project and then build nine 214-type submarines. After the implementation of the KSS-3 in the course of the project, the South Korean navy will be building six submarines.
In Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Russia was signed in late 2009 to purchase six 636 submarine contract. By convention, the submarine will be delivered in 2013-2019 years. The Australian Navy is also implementing a project called “SEA1000″ the program will purchase 12 new submarines. Singapore to Sweden in 2005 and purchased two “shooters” class submarines. At the same time, Malaysia will also be equipped with the second ship of this year, “Scorpene” class submarines. As for Indonesia, which also plans to purchase in the last few years the number of new submarine fleet.
The United States the latest issue of “Foreign Policy” magazine, said the U.S. government may be Obama arrived in Copenhagen, December 18 the list of previously announced arms sales to Taiwan. 11, according to Taiwan ETTV news, the U.S. will get the original Greek, through Germany to the German custom of the traditional four 214-powered submarines, and their re-sale in Taiwan.