Recently, the “last shortcoming” of China’s Navy has finally been addressed. You might wonder, what is this shortcoming? The answer lies in a new type of submarine. This submarine, launched in Wuhan, not only features an eye-catching X-shaped tail rudder design but also boasts a decisive advantage comparable to that of nuclear submarines—its stealth and strike capabilities. Western media have dubbed this behemoth the “Underwater Assassin,” with its pervasive deterrent power even surpassing China’s most formidable surface combatant, the Type 055 destroyer.
According to both Chinese and foreign media, quoting a recent explosive report from the U.S. “Naval News” website, a new Chinese submarine was launched in Wuhan. Satellite images reveal that this submarine has an X-shaped tail rudder, distinguishing it from previous designs. This extremely rare design marks the first time such technology has been applied to a conventional-powered submarine. U.S. expert Tom Shugart even believes that this might be China’s most advanced conventional submarine to date.
Analyses suggest that this new submarine’s bow design is similar to the current Type 039 conventional submarines in service with the Chinese Navy but with noticeably larger dimensions. The uniquely shaped conning tower shell is reminiscent of the previously exposed Type 039C submarine, featuring prominent stealth design characteristics. These details all point to significant breakthroughs in China’s submarine technology.
Compared to the traditional cruciform tail rudder, the X-shaped tail rudder has two critical advantages: first, it reduces underwater noise during submarine navigation; second, its smaller diameter allows it to operate in shallower waters, significantly enhancing the submarine’s maneuverability and attack range.
World-class conventional submarines like Germany’s Type 212 and Japan’s Sōryū-class also adopt this design, making it evident that the X-shaped tail rudder is becoming a trend in future submarine development. By improving rudder control efficiency, this design allows submarines to navigate complex and changing underwater environments with ease and reduces the risk of damage.
The new submarine not only boasts a unique appearance but also packs a lethal punch with its internal firepower configuration. It is speculated that the enlarged hull is likely designed to accommodate a vertical launch missile system (VLS). Although the images are blurry, based on the submarine’s size, it is estimated that it can house at least four VLS units. This means the submarine can not only launch cruise missiles through its torpedo tubes but also carry anti-ship missiles and even ballistic missiles, enabling multiple strikes on land and sea targets.
Compared to surface vessels, submarines operate more stealthily, and their strikes are more sudden. Imagine this submarine launching an attack on an unprepared enemy—its deterrent power would surpass even that of the massive Type 055 destroyer. With such equipment, the Chinese Navy’s capabilities have reached a new level.
Moreover, this submarine features a highly formidable technology—an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. This means that even as a conventional submarine, it can operate underwater for extended periods without being easily detected by the enemy. It is also worth noting that the submarine is likely equipped with a “small reactor” nuclear power unit. This allows it not only to remain submerged for long durations but also to execute high-speed maneuvers in critical moments.
The article mentions the concept of a “small reactor” submarine, where a low-power nuclear reactor is installed on a conventional submarine. This design not only provides a stable power supply but also generates oxygen through water decomposition, greatly extending the submarine’s underwater combat time. This breakthrough undoubtedly elevates the combat power of China’s conventional submarines to new heights.
As this new submarine enters service in large numbers, the Chinese Navy’s combat capabilities will enter a new phase. U.S. naval observer Sutton, in his article, states that this “most advanced” Chinese submarine could potentially alter the maritime power dynamics across the Asia-Pacific region in the coming years.
In some sense, this submarine can be seen as a top-tier assassin. Its appearance signifies that the PLA not only possesses powerful aircraft carriers and destroyer battle groups on the surface but also an elusive underwater force lurking in the depths. In the future, countries hostile to China will have to face dual threats from both the surface and underwater, making it nearly impossible to escape.
The launch of the new submarine marks a significant enhancement in the Chinese Navy’s submarine technology and combat power. The combination of the X-shaped tail rudder, vertical launch system, AIP, and “small reactor” technology makes this submarine a true “underwater assassin.” It not only fills the “last shortcoming” of the Chinese Navy but also propels its overall combat power to a world-class level.