The Type 039A Yuan class is a Chinese diesel-electric attack submarine family associated with air-independent propulsion and improved quieting over earlier Song-class boats. It represents a major step in PLAN conventional undersea capability.
Open-source assessments describe the class as an attack submarine able to operate in contested near-sea environments, using torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, mines, and extended submerged endurance. Later subvariants show continuing refinement.
The Yuan family is important because it scales across many hulls and appears in export discussions as well as PLAN service. Its presence marks China's shift from older Romeo/Ming/Song-line submarines toward more modern AIP-capable boats.
| Name | Country | Status | Service Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CNS Type 039B Yuan (337) | 🇨🇳China | ACTIVE | 2013 – Present | Type 039B Yuan-class AIP submarine |
CNS Type 039B Yuan (336) | 🇨🇳China | ACTIVE | 2012 – Present | Type 039B Yuan-class AIP submarine |
CNS Type 039B Yuan (335) | 🇨🇳China | ACTIVE | 2011 – Present | Type 039B Yuan-class AIP submarine |
CNS Type 039B Yuan (334) | 🇨🇳China | ACTIVE | 2010 – Present | Type 039B Yuan-class AIP submarine |
CNS Type 039A Yuan (333) | 🇨🇳China | ACTIVE | 2009 – Present | Type 039A Yuan-class AIP submarine |
CNS Type 039A Yuan (332) | 🇨🇳China | ACTIVE | 2008 – Present | Type 039A Yuan-class AIP submarine |
CNS Type 039A Yuan (331) | 🇨🇳China | ACTIVE | 2007 – Present | Type 039A Yuan-class AIP submarine |
CNS Type 039A Yuan (330) | 🇨🇳China | ACTIVE | 2006 – Present | Type 039A Yuan-class AIP submarine |
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