Type 039A Submarine

Full Specifications

Yuan-Class (Type 039A) Submarine: China’s Silent Hunter

The Yuan-class (Type 039A) submarine, developed by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), represents the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) latest generation of diesel-electric attack submarines. Designed for stealth, endurance, and versatility, the Type 039A is a critical asset in China’s underwater warfare strategy, blending indigenous innovation with selective foreign technology influence — notably from Russian Kilo-class designs.

Introduced in 2006, the Yuan-class incorporates Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, enabling it to remain submerged for extended durations without surfacing — a crucial advantage in modern anti-submarine warfare (ASW) environments. Its low acoustic signature, combined with advanced sonar and combat systems, allows it to operate undetected in both coastal and deep-sea missions.

Armed with six 533mm torpedo tubes, the submarine can launch Yu-6 heavyweight torpedoes, YJ-82 anti-ship missiles, and naval mines, giving it substantial offensive flexibility. With an operational range exceeding 8,000 nautical miles, it can patrol key maritime zones, including the South China Sea and Western Pacific, for extended periods.

The Type 039A’s AIP system, reportedly based on a Stirling engine, reduces noise and enhances underwater endurance, while its anechoic tile coating and hydrodynamic hull design further minimize detectability.

While the Yuan-class is not nuclear-powered, its combination of stealth, range, and advanced electronics makes it one of the most formidable non-nuclear submarines in Asia. Its export variant, the Type S20, is marketed globally to nations seeking affordable, high-performance underwater platforms.

Type 039A Submarine Price in United States

The Yuan-class (Type 039A) submarine is not available for export or civilian purchase in the United States. However, defense analysts estimate its unit cost at approximately $250–300 million, depending on configuration.