Conventionally-powered Attack Submarines
Submarine warfare is regarded as a vital part of PLAN's coastal defense doctrine. Large numbers of conventional powered submarines have therefore been in service, and this force makes up the bulk of the PLAN's submarines, making it the third largest submarine force in the world today. The PLAN currently operates five different classes of conventional submarines. In times of war, these submarines can be used for disrupting lines of shipping, laying mines, attacking ships, defending against enemy submarines and later generations of Chinese SSK can employ use of anti-ship missiles. Being quiet underwater combatants, they represent a considerable threat to regional navies.
- Qing class submarine (Type 043) - 1 completed, probably in active service, more under construction.
- Yuan class submarine (Type 041) - 7 in active service, more "Improved Yuan class" under construction.
- Song class submarine (Type 039) - 13 in active service.
- Romeo (Ming) class submarine (Type 035) - 16 in active service.
- Romeo (Wuhan) class submarine (Type 033G) - 1 in active service.
- Kilo class submarine - 12 in active service.
Read more about this topic: Submarines Of The People's Liberation Army Navy
Famous quotes containing the word attack:
“We attack not only to hurt someone, to defeat him, but perhaps also simply to become conscious of our own strength.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)