This is a Hangor-class attack submarine developed by China for Pakistan. And this…is believed to be Beijing’s most advanced diesel-electric attack submarine to date.
This unnamed undersea vessel is being touted as an advanced version of the Yuan-class submarine, which acts as the backbone of Chinese Navy operations.
There was no official confirmation, no fanfare. The People's Liberation Army Navy quietly launched this undersea vessel reportedly in April 2024.
Despite remaining shrouded in mystery, its existence was first reported in July this year by a former US Navy submariner and defence analyst Tom Shugart.
The analyst shared a satellite image of the unnamed vessel stationed at Wuchang Shipyard in central China's Wuhan city.
He believes that this unnamed vessel is a derivative of or superior to the Yuan-class non-nuclear submarines, and is capable of firing anti-ship missiles.
China has been producing an export variant of the Yuan-class at the same shipyard for Pakistan as Hangor class. The Hangor class is a direct rival of India’s Kalavari class of diesel-electric attack submarines.
While the information is scarce, this new unnamed submarine is believed to be equipped with advanced technologies.
According to reports, the unnamed submarine appears to be 83 to 85 meters long, compared to the 77-meter-long Yuan class.
This submarine is believed to have an X-shaped rudder, a configuration "not seen before on any Chinese submarine."
An X-shaped rudder gives a submarine more maneuvering force and minimises the chance of an accidental dive compared to the traditional cruciform-shaped design.
It also reduces noise signature of submarine where avoiding detection is a key factor in submarine's survival.
There are also indications that it may have a vertical launch system which are less common in non-nuclear submarines.
If it is true, then it can likely accommodate between four and eight missiles, depending on their diameter.
The installation of the VLS could make the Chinese submarine one of the most potent non-nuclear boats in the world, and can pose a threat to India’s Kalvari-class submarines.