Seeing the world engulfed in war, China built secret submarine, satellite image
Seeing the world embroiled in the Russo-Ukraine war, China has secretly increased its military power (Chinese Military Power 2022). Recently, in the pictures taken from the satellite, a submarine (China New Submarine) has been found, which was hidden from the eyes of the world till now. In the satellite image (Chinese Submarine Satellite Images), this submarine is seen standing in the dry dock of the Chinese shipyard. Military analysts say that this nuclear-powered submarine has not been seen before. In such a situation, it can be the first submarine of a new class (Chinese Submarines List) or an old submarine has been upgraded and given a new shape. According to the US Office of Naval Intelligence, from 2-15 the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Submarine Force had 57 diesel electric submarines and 5 nuclear powered submarines.
New model or upgraded version? Expert in dilemma
Military analysts say it is not clear whether the submarine is a new model or an upgraded version of an older submarine. Despite this, diplomats and analysts believe that China is rapidly increasing the strength of its submarine. He referred to a US Defense Ministry Pentagon report in November last year, which suggested that the Chinese Navy has been working for some years on building a new attack submarine with a vertical launching tube to attack cruise missiles. In such a situation, it is believed that the submarine seen in the satellite images may be the same, which was mentioned in the US intelligence report.
The cover was installed on the missile launch tube and propulsion system
In photos shared by private satellite imagery provider Planet Labs and on social media, the Chinese submarine is seen standing in a dry dock at Huludao Port in Liaoning province. Most of the parts of this submarine parked outside have also been covered with green cloth. This includes the submarine’s missile vertical launch tube and a fairly advanced propulsion system, which resides at the submarine’s rear end. China keeps its new submarines very hidden. This is the first time that a new Chinese submarine is seen standing in the open.
The new submarine looks like the Type 093
The submarine was brought out of the water to dry dock between April 24 and May 4. In the pictures taken after this, the submarine was seen submerged in the water at the same place. Singapore’s defense expert and S. Professor Colin Koh of the Rajaratnam School of International Studies said it could be a new class of Chinese Type 093 “hunter-killer” submarine with vertical launch tubes for guided missiles. However, he also said that the current satellite images are insufficient to correctly identify the class of this submarine.
China’s hunger for weapons exposed
Jeffrey Lewis, professor of arms control at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, said the latest pictures exposed China. However, it cannot be told directly yet whether this submarine is of a new class or has been upgraded to the old one. He definitely said that after the US intelligence report, everyone’s interest about the Chinese submarine has definitely increased.
What is a conventional submarine or a diesel submarine
A conventional submarine or diesel electric submarine uses a diesel generator to charge the battery. The electricity stored in this battery is used to run the motor. Like any other battery, submarines have to come to the surface to complete the snorkeling process to recharge it. Diesel electric submarines collect oxygen for their generators through snorkeling. Any submarine is most at risk when it has to come out of the depths of the water and come to the surface. In such a situation, submarine search aircraft or warships of the enemy country can easily see them.
