Submarine
Type 039 Yuan-class submarine
The Type 039 (NATO: Yuan class) is a Chinese conventional attack submarine built by Wuchang and Jiangnan shipyards and in service since about 2006. The Type 039A/B/C variants use Stirling air-independent propulsion, and roughly 20 or more boats are in service.
China|CSSC / Wuchang & Jiangnan ShipyardsOverview
The Yuan-class developed from the Type 039 Song class, with the first boat launched in 2004 and in service around 2006–2007. The Type 039A has a single hull with an X-rudder, a skewed propeller and anechoic tiles, and uses a Stirling air-independent propulsion system for longer submerged endurance. It displaces 2,300–3,600 t submerged, is 77.6 m long and reaches 18–20 knots. Armament is six 533 mm tubes for Yu-6 torpedoes, YJ-82 anti-ship missiles and mines.
Roughly 20 or more boats have been built, and production continues with the Type 039B and 039C; the Type 041 is the designation of the 039C. Export derivatives include the S26T for Thailand and the Hangor class for Pakistan, with eight boats, four built in China and four at Karachi. Timelines have slipped, and the Hangor boats are reported to be entering service around 2026 (hedged). The PLA Navy publishes no official counts, so figures are estimates.
Key Specifications
Variants
The Type 039 refers to the Song-class predecessor, from which the Yuan class was developed.
The Type 039A/B is the Yuan-class submarine with Stirling AIP and an X-rudder, in series production.
The Type 039C, designated Type 041, is the latest Yuan-class variant in production.
Operators
ChinaFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Type 039 AIP?
Yes, the Type 039A/B/C Yuan-class has a Stirling air-independent propulsion system. This lets the submarine stay submerged longer than a conventional diesel-electric boat without surfacing.
How many Yuan-class submarines does China have?
China has about 20 or more Yuan-class submarines. Production continues with the Type 039B and 039C. The PLA Navy does not publish official counts, so the figure is an estimate.
What is the Type 041 submarine?
The Type 041 is the designation of the Type 039C, the latest variant of the Yuan-class submarine. It continues the Type 039A/B design with further changes in production.
Which countries use the Type 039?
China is the only confirmed operator of the Type 039 Yuan class. Pakistan’s Hangor class, a derivative, is reported to be entering service around 2026, and Thailand’s S26T is another export derivative.
What weapons does the Type 039 carry?
The Type 039 carries six 533 mm tubes firing Yu-6 torpedoes, YJ-82 anti-ship cruise missiles and mines. Its main features are a Stirling AIP system and an X-rudder with anechoic tiles.
Type 039 vs Type 214: which is better?
The Type 039 Yuan class and the German Type 214 are both AIP submarines. The Type 039 displaces 2,300–3,600 t and carries YJ-82 missiles, while the Type 214 uses fuel cells. Open sources give no direct performance comparison.