China’s New Type 09V Submarine Emerges
Christchurch, New Zealand — A new class of nuclear-powered attack submarine, known as the Type 09V, has been spotted at the Bohai Shipyard in Huludao, China, as revealed by recent satellite imagery. This partially constructed submarine is expected to launch within the next year, marking a significant development in China’s naval capabilities. The Type 09V is part of a broader initiative by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to enhance its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
Details of the Type 09V Submarine
The Type 09V, also referred to as the Type 095, is notable for its estimated submerged displacement of 9,000 to 10,000 tons. According to Rick Joe, a military expert, the PLAN currently operates several classes of submarines, including the original Type 091 and various iterations of the Type 09 series. Joe estimates that the PLAN is launching approximately three new submarines annually, a significant increase compared to the U.S. Navy’s rate of 1.1 to 1.3 boats per year.
The Type 09V is designed with several advancements over its predecessors. It is wider than the Type 09III family, measuring around 40 feet (12 meters) compared to 36 feet (11 meters). Innovations likely include X-shaped rudders, hull-mounted and retractable diving planes, and a pumpjet propulsor, all aimed at improving speed and maneuverability. Additionally, this submarine may be the first in China to utilize a single or hybrid hull design instead of the traditional double hull.
Measuring approximately 360 feet (110 meters) in length, the Type 09V is equipped with a universal vertical launch system (VLS) featuring an estimated eight cells. Each cell is believed to be capable of housing multiple missiles, similar to the U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class submarines. While the exact timeline for the Type 09V’s entry into service remains uncertain, it could potentially be operational by 2029, following extensive fitting out and sea trials.
China’s Submarine Construction Surge
China’s submarine construction capabilities are robust, with the Bohai Shipyard housing significant production capacity. The facility includes an Eastern Assembly Hall with twelve assembly slots and a newer Southern Assembly Hall with eight slots, allowing for simultaneous construction of up to 20 submarines. This infrastructure supports China’s ambitious plans to expand its naval fleet, including the development of the next-generation Type 09VI ballistic missile submarine, which is expected to incorporate technologies from the Type 09V.
In terms of armament, the Type 09V may be equipped with the YJ-19 hypersonic missile, which was unveiled during a military parade in September 2025. This missile is designed for submarine torpedo tubes and is expected to enhance the submarine’s anti-surface strike capabilities significantly. Recently, the PLAN announced that it had accepted the YJ-19 for service on its Type 039B conventional submarines, making China the first nation to deploy hypersonic weapons on diesel-electric submarines.
