GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily

Improved Kilo vs Type 039A

Improved Kilo vs Type 039A at a glance — displacement 2,325 vs 2,300 tons, length 72 vs 77 m, speed 12 vs 12 knots, crew 52 vs 36.

Type 039A submarine side profile drawing
🇨🇳 Type 039A
Specifications
Improved Kilo Type 039A
Origin 🇷🇺 Russia 🇨🇳 China
Category Submarine Submarine
Type Attack submarine Diesel-electric submarine
Manufacturer Rubin Design Bureau Wuchang Shipbuilding
Year introduced 1980 2006
Number built 75 units 21 units
Estimated unit price $200 million NA
Displacement 2,325 tons 2,300 tons
Maximum speed 12.0 knots 12.0 knots
Range 7,500 nm at 7 knots 12,000 nm
Length 72.6 m 77.6 m
Beam 9.9 m 8.4 m
Crew 52 36
Max depth 300 m 250 m
Performance Radar Chart
Armament & Systems
Improved Kilo Type 039A
Armament
  • 6 × 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes
  • 18 torpedoes
  • 4 Kalibr/Club land-attack cruise missile, anti-ship missile and anti-submarine missile (some versions)
  • 24 mines
  • 8 9K34 Strela-3 (SA-N-8 Gremlin) or 8 9K310 Igla-1 (SA-N-10 Gimlet) surface-to-air missiles
  • 6 x 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes
  • Yu-3, Yu-4, Yu-6 torpedoes
  • YJ-82 or YJ-18 anti-ship missiles
  • Long-range land-attack cruise missiles
  • Naval mines
Propulsion Diesel-electric propulsion; 2 × 1000 kW diesel generators; 1 × 5,500–6,800 shp (4,100–5,100 kW) propulsion motor; 1 × fixed-pitch 6-bladed or 7-bladed propeller Diesel-electric, 1 shaft, AIP (Stirling engine)
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has greater displacement, the Improved Kilo-class or Type 039A-class?
The Improved Kilo-class has greater displacement at 2,325 tons compared to the Type 039A-class's 2,300 tons.
Which is faster, the Improved Kilo-class or Type 039A-class?
The Type 039A-class is faster with a maximum speed of 12 knots compared to the Improved Kilo-class's 12 knots.
Which has longer range, the Improved Kilo-class or Type 039A-class?
The Type 039A-class has a longer range at 12,000 nautical miles compared to the Improved Kilo-class's 7,500 nautical miles.
Which is longer, the Improved Kilo-class or Type 039A-class?
The Type 039A-class is longer at 77.6 meters compared to the Improved Kilo-class's 72.6 meters.
How many crew members do the Improved Kilo-class and Type 039A-class have?
The Improved Kilo-class has a larger crew complement of 52 compared to the Type 039A-class's 36 crew members.
Which can dive deeper, the Improved Kilo-class or Type 039A-class?
The Improved Kilo-class can dive deeper with a maximum depth of 300 meters compared to the Type 039A-class's 250 meters.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Improved Kilo-class or Type 039A-class?
The Improved Kilo-class has been built in greater numbers with 75 vessels compared to 21 vessels of the Type 039A-class.