Type 039B Yuan-class submarine

The Type 039B is a Chinese Yuan-family diesel-electric attack submarine variant built for the People's Liberation Army Navy. GlobalSecurity describes it as a 2014 revision of the 039A with a lengthened hull and continued AIP-based quieting, while Wikimedia Commons images document the distinctive Yuan-class silhouette used for the variant.

Type 039B Yuan-class submarine, Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy Yuan-family diesel-electric attack submarine variant, Naval Systems

Image source: File:Yuan class 039B mod SS.svg

Profile

Origin: China
Built by: Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry GroupJiangnan Shipyard
Type: Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy Yuan-family diesel-electric attack submarine variant
Service note: 2010s-present
Produced: 2011-present
Number built: At least 8 boats identified in open-source reporting by 2012
Variants: Type 039B SSP
Developed from: Type 039A Yuan-class submarine

Also Known As

Type 039B SSP
Yuan Type 039B SSP
Yuan class 039B
Type 039B submarine
Type 039B Yuan-class attack submarine

naval submarine undersea warfare stealth

Specifications

Displacement: About 2,200-2,300 tonnes submerged
Length: About 66 metres
Beam: About 8 metres
Propulsion: Diesel-electric submarine with AIP
Armament: Torpedo tubes and anti-ship missile capability reported in open-source Yuan-class summaries

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: GlobalSecurity places the Type 039B in the Yuan-series production line and identifies a major 039A-to-039B change in 2014, including a longer hull and revised sail geometry.
Used by: People's Liberation Army Navy

Type 039B Yuan-class submarine Images

Type 039B Yuan-class submarine, Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy Yuan-family diesel-electric attack submarine variant, Naval Systems - view 1 — Source: File:Yuan (Type 039A) Class Attack Submarine.JPG

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Sources

Yuan Type 039B SSPPublisher: GlobalSecurity.org | Note: Supports the 039B designation, 2014 revision context, hull-lengthening change, revised sail description, AIP use, and Yuan-family technical summary. | Accessed: 2026-06-25 Yuan Class - People's Liberation Army NavyPublisher: GlobalSecurity.org | Note: Supports the Yuan-class comparison table for submerged displacement, length, beam, and diesel-electric propulsion context across the 039B family. | Accessed: 2026-06-25 Yuan Class - People's Liberation Army Navy - boat listPublisher: GlobalSecurity.org | Note: Supports the 039B production line, named builders, and the open-source boat list showing Wuchang and Jiangnan construction for the variant. | Accessed: 2026-06-25 File:Yuan class 039B mod SS.svgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and CC BY-SA 4.0 licensing for the primary 039B silhouette image. | Accessed: 2026-06-25 File:Yuan (Type 039A) Class Attack Submarine.JPGPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for a Yuan-class photo used as a secondary gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-06-25