9-10-2023 (HONG KONG) An emerging submarine arms race is being driven by China’s production of a new generation of nuclear-armed submarines. These submarines are expected to pose a challenge to the United States and its allies, particularly in tracking them.
Analysts and defence attaches in the region suggest that China is on track to have its Type 096 ballistic missile submarine operational by the end of the decade, making it far more challenging to monitor and track. Researchers have revealed that these submarines will be a “nightmare” to detect, particularly due to their advancements in quietness, partially aided by Russian technology.
As China advances its nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), tracking them discreetly has become a core concern for the US Navy and other Indo-Pacific region militaries. The Type 096 submarines are expected to further intensify deployments and contingency planning across the region.
China is already conducting nuclear deterrence patrols with its older Type 094 submarines out of Hainan Island, similar to practices followed by the United States, Britain, Russia, and France. However, the Type 094s are considered relatively noisy, posing challenges for military submarines.
A research paper produced by the US Naval War College’s China Maritime Studies Institute reveals China’s advancements in its nuclear submarine development, which includes satellite imagery showing sections of a large submarine’s pressure hull under construction. The Type 096 submarine is expected to be significantly larger than the Type 094, incorporating technologies for noise reduction, such as an internal “raft” on rubber supports to dampen engine noise.
While it’s believed that China may have adopted some Russian technology, it’s unlikely they possess the latest Russian systems. As China continues to modernize its submarine fleet, concerns about the SSBNs’ stealth, sensors, and weaponry capabilities are growing.
This emerging development has initiated an international effort to track and monitor Chinese submarines, with assistance from countries like Japan and India. Anti-submarine warfare drills and deployments of sub-hunting aircraft are increasing.
The United States, in particular, is carrying out a substantial upgrade of its undersea surveillance network to counter China’s growing presence. The AUKUS deal, involving Australia, Britain, and the United States, is set to bolster surveillance and submarine deployments in Western Australia, with plans to launch Australia’s first nuclear-powered attack submarines by the 2030s.
The prospect of quieter Chinese SSBNs is creating challenges for the United States and its allies, emphasizing the need for intensive training and technological advancements. China’s growing naval capabilities are raising concerns in the Indo-Pacific region and complicating the existing underwater surveillance efforts.
However, it’s essential to note that China’s focus is primarily on challenging the United States and its strategic interests, rather than directly competing with Russia in the naval field. The emergence of advanced Chinese submarines is likely to drive further developments in submarine warfare in the coming years.
