Naval Systems

Type 039C Yuan-class submarine

The Type 039C Yuan-class submarine is a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy conventional attack submarine variant identified by Western analysts in 2021 and later reported as an operational PLAN boat. Naval News and Covert Shores describe it as a Yuan-family development with a sharply faceted sail, a likely towed-array sonar fit, and the same general weapons loading method used by earlier Yuan boats.

Specifications

Propulsion
Diesel-electric Yuan-family submarine with AIP reported on the class and possible lithium-ion battery development discussed by analysts
Sail
Distinctive faceted, angled sail designed for lower surface radar signature
Sensors
Integral towed-array sonar reported by Naval News and Covert Shores
Weapons
Earlier Yuan boats are reported to load torpedoes, naval mines, and YJ-18/YJ-82-class anti-ship missiles through six 533 mm tubes

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
Western analysis first identified the boat in 2021, and Naval News reported in August 2022 that the latest Yuan-class variant had been commissioned and stationed with the PLAN East Sea Fleet near Taiwan.
Used by
People's Liberation Army Navy

Timeline

Type 039C Yuan-class submarine Key Events

  1. The redesigned Yuan variant is first reported

    Naval News reported that the new Yuan-family boat was first seen in May 2021 and had a distinctive faceted sail.

    Sources: Naval News: China's Newest Attack Submarine Now Stationed Near Taiwan

  2. Naval News reports the submarine has been commissioned

    Naval News said the boat had been commissioned, was based with the East Sea Fleet, and was operating near Taiwan.

    Sources: Naval News: China's Newest Attack Submarine Now Stationed Near Taiwan

Type 039C Yuan-class submarine Videos

Type 039C Yuan-class submarine Images

Related Weapon Systems

Sources