Chinese Submarine Type 091 Breaks silence, Confirmed in Recent Drills
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Beijing – China’s sole remaining Type 091 (Han-class) nuclear-powered attack submarine, Submarine 201, has been confirmed participating in recent naval drills, marking a rare public acknowledgement of the aging vessel’s continued operational status. The submarine, commissioned in 1974, represents a crucial, though increasingly outdated, component of China’s underwater fleet, and its continued use offers insight into the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) strategic priorities and ongoing modernization efforts.
The Type 091, while technologically surpassed by newer classes like the Type 093 and Type 095, historically served as a key platform for developing China’s nuclear submarine capabilities. Its continued deployment, despite its age, suggests a need to maintain a certain level of operational experience and potentially utilize the vessel for training purposes as China rapidly expands its more advanced submarine force. This comes as China increasingly asserts its naval power in the south China Sea and beyond, prompting heightened scrutiny from regional powers and the United States.
Growth and Characteristics
The Type 091 program was initiated in the 1960s, driven by china’s desire to develop a credible nuclear deterrent. Construction faced important challenges due to limited industrial capacity and technological expertise. The led boat, Type 091-01 (hull number 201), was launched in 1970 and commissioned in 1974. A total of five Type 091 submarines were built, though at least one has been decommissioned and reportedly used for static display.
These submarines displace approximately 5,500 tons submerged and are approximately 110 meters (361 ft) in length. They are equipped with a single nuclear reactor, enabling them to remain submerged for extended periods. Armament includes six 533 mm torpedo tubes and the capability to launch submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), though early versions lacked the range and accuracy of modern SLBMs. The Type 091’s acoustic signature is notably louder than newer submarine designs, making it more vulnerable to detection.
Operational History and Recent Activity
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Type 091 served as a vital platform for training and gaining experience in nuclear submarine operations. Data regarding its deployments remained largely classified. Recent years have seen increased,albeit still limited,reporting on the submarine’s activity.
Confirmation of Submarine 201’s participation in recent drills, reported in late 2023 and early 2024, came through Chinese state media and open-source intelligence analysis of satellite imagery. These drills reportedly involved anti-submarine warfare exercises and simulated attacks,suggesting the PLAN continues to integrate the older vessel into its training scenarios.
Future Outlook
The future of the Type 091 class remains uncertain. As China continues to commission more advanced submarines, the Type 091’s operational role is expected to diminish. However,its continued use suggests it may serve as a training platform or be retained for specific,limited missions. The PLAN is currently developing and deploying the Type 096 submarine,expected to enter service in the coming years,which will further reduce the strategic importance of the Type 091. The continued operation of Submarine 201 provides a unique window into the evolution of China’s submarine force and its ongoing efforts to modernize its naval capabilities.
