Recently, commercial satellite images updated photos of China’s nuclear submarine shipyard, indicating that China is busy with underwater shipbuilding. In recent years, there has been a shift from mass production of destroyers and frigates to larger platform ships and underwater vessels.
According to satellite images, the largest submarine shipyard in Bohai, China, is bustling with activity, with various “big black fish” submarines under construction. Among them are mature models being mass-produced, as well as advanced submarines making their first appearance. For instance, a large submarine stern section can be seen at the entrance of a workshop, appearing quite sizable.
Speculation suggests that the widest part of this section could be 12 meters. If true, it might be one of the largest domestically produced submarine stern sections observed so far, as the 094 class is also reported to be 12 meters wide. This raises the question: is it the 094 class or an entirely new submarine? According to the 2023 Pentagon’s “China Military Power Report,” construction of the 094 class has resumed.
However, most believe this is a segment of the latest 095 attack submarine. Given the technological breakthroughs in the 095/096 series, the likelihood of building more 094 submarines is low, considering it was developed in 1999, over 20 years ago. This is similar to the Fujian carrier switching from steam to electromagnetic catapults after technological advances, even modifying the original design.
If this truly is the 095 attack submarine, it is speculated to be about 115 meters long, 12 meters wide, with a displacement of 8,000-10,000 tons, and a top speed of 32 knots. It can launch Yu-11 torpedoes and YJ-18A anti-ship missiles from 18 vertical launch units, making it a true 10,000-ton underwater arsenal. Notably, the 095 might abandon the dual-hull design traditionally used by domestic submarines in favor of a single-hull design, reducing underwater drag and enhancing speed and maneuverability.
Additionally, several 093/093B submarines can be seen at the shipyard. On the elevator of a new submarine workshop to the east, there is a 093B attack nuclear submarine. Meanwhile, three 093 submarines are docked on the west side, though it is unclear whether they are new submarines being outfitted or older models undergoing maintenance.
A 094 submarine is also spotted nearby, which is quite rare, suggesting it might be in for major repairs. This could be the same submarine observed by Penghu fishermen recently. According to media reports, Penghu fishermen saw a submarine surfacing at 5 a.m. on June 18, resembling a 094A strategic nuclear submarine based on its turtleback shape. After surfacing, escort ships arrived, and the submarine quickly left the area. It is highly likely that this submarine headed north to a Bohai shipyard for maintenance.
Currently, not only are Jiangnan Hudong Changxing Island and Dalian Dagushan Base very busy, but even the submarine shipyard is bustling with mass production. New ships are being built, and classic models are coming in for maintenance. It seems inevitable that mass production of underwater forces will follow. Although China’s domestic submarine fleet is already considerable, close to Russia’s 56 and America’s 52, most Western nuclear submarines are highly advanced, like the Yasen-class “Kazan” in Cuba and the U.S. Sea Wolf class.
In a CCTV report on the 70th anniversary of the submarine force, Navy Literature Star of a certain submarine unit stated that the development of domestic underwater forces would include both nuclear and conventional capabilities, with a focus on nuclear power. This shift from conventional to nuclear power is significant because conventional submarines previously operated mainly in the Bohai, Yellow, and East China Seas, which are shallow (e.g., some areas of the Yellow and Bohai Seas are only 18 meters deep), limiting submarine operations. In the deep ocean, conventional submarines face severe threats from anti-submarine arrays and aircraft and lack the endurance to exploit deep-sea hiding advantages.
Based on the movements in Chinese submarine shipyards and new developments in submarine reports, it is clear that China is no longer content with using small-tonnage conventional submarines for nearshore defense. Instead, it aims to deploy large nuclear-powered submarines in the deep ocean, leveraging their endurance and stealth to protect vital sea lanes, escort high-value surface ships, and compete with Western maritime hegemony. In the end, true strength will prevail in the deep blue ocean.