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Liu Zhen

China has launched its first next-generation Type 095 nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), according to satellite imagery analysed by defence experts.
It marks a significant leap as Beijing ramps up the underwater arms race to challenge US naval dominance in technology and production.
Images captured between February 9 and 12 showed the vessel being fitted out at the Bohai Shipyard in Huludao, Liaoning province, according to Janes and Naval News.
Defence analysts said the pictures revealed a new design with advanced acoustic stealth and strike capacity.
The most prominent visual feature of the new submarine – Nato code name Sui-class – is its X-tail rudder configuration. It is the first Chinese nuclear submarine to feature this design, which improves manoeuvrability, according to Janes Defence.
It also appears to be equipped with a pump-jet propulsor, which is critical for reducing noise signatures. This has already been used on the Type 093B – the latest variant of the Chinese navy’s existing Shang-class submarines.
There are no external control surfaces visible in the images, which could indicate Chinese SSNs are switching from their traditional fairwater planes to hull-mounted dive planes for lower friction and noise during high‑speed transit. However, Naval News noted that this could not be confirmed at this stage.
The new submarine is estimated to be similar in length to the Type 093 at about 110 metres (361 feet), but with a wider beam of around 12 to 13 metres compared with the Type 093’s 10-metre beam.
This suggests a significant increase in the Type 095’s displacement to over 9,000 tonnes, compared with the Type 093’s 7,000 tonnes.
Analysts said these dimensions suggested a shift to a single-hull design, optimised for greater internal volume, lighter weight and acoustic isolation.


All the advancements suggest the Type 095 is designed to be comparable in capabilities to American and Russian third-generation SSNs such as the US Navy’s Virginia-class submarines. It aims to transform the Chinese submarine fleet from a notoriously noisy force into one approaching Western standards.
In terms of armaments, the images show that a section behind the sail remains under construction and will probably house a vertical launching system (VLS) for missiles.
The Type 093B’s VLS is capable of launching anti-ship and land-attack missiles, such as the YJ-18 series.
As for the next-generation Type 095, it is speculated that it will be able to carry China’s newly revealed hypersonic missiles, including the YJ-19.
The Type 095 represents a large leap in technology, narrowing the gap with the United States in undersea warfare capabilities.
The Chinese navy has been rapidly expanding its SSN fleet amid an intensifying underwater arms race in the region.
Australia has been acquiring SSN capabilities through its Aukus security alliance with the US and Britain.
South Korea is moving forward with plans to build its own SSNs in partnership with the US, citing the need to counter North Korea’s emerging nuclear submarine programme.
Japan is also considering lifting its self-imposed nuclear ban and acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.
China’s first Type 093 SSN entered service in 2006, as Beijing began to replace the obsolete Type 091.
In the following years, new variants Type 093A and Type 093B were introduced with significant upgrades. To date, eight of the Type 093 family are in service, with at least nine more in the pipeline.
While the US Navy remains the world’s largest nuclear submarine operator with over 50 SSNs in service, the Chinese shipbuilding industry is rapidly scaling up production. Since 2022, the Bohai facility alone has reportedly launched up to eight Type 093B hulls.


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Next-generation SSN features advanced acoustic stealth and strike capacity, narrowing tech gap with rival US


Next-generation SSN features advanced acoustic stealth and strike capacity, narrowing tech gap with rival US.


China’s Type 095 nuclear submarine spotted for first time in new satellite images

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Next-generation SSN features advanced acoustic stealth and strike capacity, narrowing tech gap with rival US

Next-generation SSN features advanced acoustic stealth and strike capacity, narrowing tech gap with rival US