Rare Joint Appearance of Chinese and Russian Military Submarines Sparks Heated Discussion: Detailed Analysis of Participating Forces
On July 13, the China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" joint exercise concluded, and the joint appearance of Chinese and Russian submarines sparked heated discussions among netizens. Experts provided detailed explanations of the participating forces from both sides.
From July 6 to 13, the China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" joint exercise was successfully held in the waters and airspace near Qingdao, Shandong. After the exercise, some personnel from both sides organized a joint maritime patrol in relevant areas of the Pacific. According to convention, the joint patrol will last one to two weeks, during which the naval vessels of both countries will conduct drills in air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime search and rescue.
The participating forces from both sides
Covering surface, underwater, aerial, and support forces
The Chinese participating forces mainly include the missile destroyer Kaifeng, the Anshan, the missile frigate Wuhu, the comprehensive supply ship Kekexili Lake, the rescue submarine support ship Yangcheng Lake, and one submarine.
Anshan, hull number 103
The Anshan is a Type 055 missile destroyer, with a full-load displacement of 13,000 tons, equipped with dual-band radar and 112 vertical launch system cells, capable of various combat functions including anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare, with a high level of information technology and strong comprehensive combat capability.
Kekexili Lake, hull number 903
The Kekexili Lake is a new type of ocean-going comprehensive supply ship independently designed and built by China. It has the capability to supply simultaneously from both sides at four stations, and can carry out supply operations for fuel, fresh water, food, ammunition, and other materials to naval formations through various means.
The Russian participating forces consist of the "Varyag" missile cruiser, the "Razor" frigate, the "Ufa" large submarine, and the "Igor Belousov" rescue ship.
The "Varyag" missile cruiser has a full-load displacement of 11,500 tons and is equipped with eight dual-launch long-range supersonic anti-ship missiles and AK-130 naval guns, possessing capabilities for anti-ship, air defense, and anti-submarine operations, and serves as the flagship of the Russian Pacific Fleet.
The "Ufa" submarine joined the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet at the end of 2022. It uses a power system that combines a pure diesel engine with batteries, has a maximum diving depth of 300 meters, endurance of 45 days, and is equipped with six 533 mm torpedo launch tubes, the "Kalibr" cruise missile system, and mine warfare capabilities.
During the China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" joint exercise, the two naval formations jointly completed live drills in various subjects including joint reconnaissance, air defense and missile defense, anti-surface strikes, and joint submarine rescue, with the rare joint appearance of Chinese and Russian submarines sparking discussions among netizens.
China and Russia conducted a joint naval exercise from July 6-13, 2026, in Qingdao, Shandong, involving multiple naval vessels and submarines. Following the exercise, both navies organized a joint maritime patrol in the Pacific Ocean. The exercise included various operational drills such as reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare.
- China and Russia conducted a joint naval exercise from July 6-13, 2026.
- The exercise involved multiple naval vessels and submarines from both countries.
- After the exercise, a joint maritime patrol was organized in the Pacific Ocean.
- The Chinese Navy deployed a 055-class destroyer and other support vessels.
- The Russian Navy participated with a cruiser and a submarine.