The Yuan class in NATO's reporting system is the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, (PLAN), which has been busy building attack submarines over the past few years. These large, conventional submarines look very similar to the Russian Kilo-class. They are designed to operate in deep water areas in near-seas. They can also serve as cruise missile platforms that are very effective against ships.
There are three types Yuan-class submarines. Each submarine has a different sail design. They are known by the Type 039A Type 039C Type 041. The first version was made at Wuhan Shipyard. It was displayed at the China Naval Modernization report to Congress in 2005. The second Yuan is rumored to be under construction. These vessels will join the fleet of PLAN by 2028.
According to Chinese-language Internet sources, the new Yuan measures 77.2 meters in length. It is believed to have an even wider beam than the Song. Interestingly, the new boats have an optronic mast and periscopes, both of which are likely to be more effective than the rubber tiles used on earlier vessels.
The Type-035 Ming Class submarines had their fore casing modified by a chined sail in 2010. The Chinese Navy also has a towed array sonar installed on the vessels. It is believed that future Yuan-class ships will be loaded up with longer-range anti-submarine rockets.
The Yuanclass was recently evaluated by the US Naval Institute as an antiship cruise missile platform. They also assessed the submarines' ability to operate in deep water and near-seas. The submarine's AIP system was capable to keep it submerged for up to two weeks. They also noted that the submarine has a small missile load out. The C-802 long-range cruise missile, which can travel up to 180 km, is fitted to the submarine.
Holst wrongly stated that Yuan-class submarines were equipped with the C-802 ASCM in his essay. Holst says that the submarines were designed with this weapon. However US intelligence demands that every submarine that carries a missile be equipped with dedicated launchers. The Yuan-class is believed to have two or more air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, which means that the submarine does not have to have a separate oxygen supply. Modern SSKs can stay submerged for up to 4 weeks with AIP systems.
Chinese Navy has a long tradition of building submarines. China has constructed thirteen Type 039A subs. Four more are expected by 2023. China's Type 039A first submarine was built in 2005. It was built at Wuhan Shipyard. The submarine completed sea trials during 2006. It is not yet known if there are any other variants.
China's Yuan -class submarines have been exported to Thailand. Pakistan, Myanmar and Pakistan since July 2010. China announced plans to acquire eight more submarines to be used in its navy. The Chinese Navy is expected to have at least 25 Yuan-class submarines in service by 2025.