Submarine
Type 093 Shang-class submarine
The Type 093 (NATO: Shang class) is a Chinese nuclear-powered attack submarine built by Bohai Shipyard in Huludao and in service since around 2006. About 6–8 boats exist across the 093, 093A and 093B variants.
China|CSSC / Bohai Shipyard (Huludao)Overview
The Type 093 succeeded the 1970s Type 091 Han class as China’s second-generation nuclear attack submarine. Development began in the 1980s–1990s, the first boat was launched around 2002 and entered service around 2006. It is roughly 107 m long and displaces about 6,000–7,000 t submerged, with one pressurised-water reactor and a single shaft giving about 30 knots. Armament is six 533 mm torpedo tubes firing Yu-series torpedoes and YJ-82 anti-ship missiles.
The Type 093A (Shang II) added a longer hull with vertical launch cells (reported) and the YJ-18 supersonic cruise missile, and the Type 093B is a further improved version. Western sources report two original boats, four Type 093A and two or more 093B, so totals of 6–8 depending on source. Noise levels are higher than Western or Russian contemporaries. The Type 095 is expected to take over in the late 2020s. Only the PLA Navy operates the type, with boats based at Hainan Island.
Key Specifications
Variants
The original Type 093 is the first Shang-class boat, with six 533 mm tubes and YJ-82 anti-ship missiles.
The Type 093A (Shang II) adds vertical launch cells, as reported, and the YJ-18 cruise missile.
The Type 093B is a further improved version with vertical launch cells and updated systems.
Operators
ChinaFrequently Asked Questions
How many Type 093 submarines does China have?
China has about 6–8 Type 093 submarines, depending on the source. Western reports cite two original Type 093, four Type 093A and two or more Type 093B. The PLA Navy does not publish official counts.
Is the Type 093 nuclear-powered?
Yes, the Type 093 is nuclear-powered. It uses one pressurised-water reactor and a single shaft, and reaches about 30 knots submerged. It is a nuclear attack submarine, not a ballistic missile submarine.
Type 093 vs Type 094: what is the difference?
The Type 093 is a nuclear attack submarine, designed to hunt ships and submarines, while the Type 094 is a ballistic missile submarine carrying 12 JL-2 missiles. Both are built by Bohai Shipyard.
What weapons does the Type 093 carry?
The Type 093 carries six 533 mm torpedo tubes firing Yu-series torpedoes and YJ-82 anti-ship cruise missiles. The Type 093A adds the YJ-18 cruise missile and reported vertical launch cells.
How does the Type 093 compare with the Virginia class?
The Type 093 is older and noisier than the US Virginia class, and Western analysts rate it below Western and Russian contemporaries such as the Astute and Akula. Figures for the Type 093 are estimates.
Which countries operate the Type 093?
Only China operates the Type 093, through the PLA Navy. The boats are based in the North Sea Fleet and South Sea Fleet, including Hainan Island. The type has not been exported.