Type 035-class (Ming)

The Type 035 submarine, NATO reporting name Ming class, is a diesel-electric attack submarine developed for the People's Liberation Army Navy. It originated as a redesign of the Type 033 class, which China had produced using Soviet Romeo-class design details. The Wuhan Ship Development and Design Institute (701 Institute) initiated the project in the 1970s. The primary technical deviation from the preceding class was the transition from a twin-shaft to a single-shaft propulsion layout.

The first units entered service in 1974. After technical issues were identified during trials, the 701 Institute performed a redesign resulting in the Type 035A, which entered service in 1982. The Type 035G variant followed in 1990, introducing anti-submarine warfare capabilities and updated fire control systems. This variant utilized sonar systems of French or Italian design, including the DUUX-5 and JP-64. The final variant, the Type 035B, entered service between 2000 and 2003. It featured a redesigned conning tower and hull structure modeled after the Type 039 submarine. This version added the capability to launch land-attack cruise missiles from its torpedo tubes. One Type 035G unit was modified with an additional hull section to conduct tests on air-independent propulsion systems.

The People’s Liberation Army Navy was the primary operator, though many units have transitioned to retirement. In April 2003, unit 361 experienced a mechanical failure in the Yellow Sea, resulting in the deaths of 70 personnel. The incident led to a reorganization of the naval command. The Bangladesh Navy became the sole export operator after purchasing two Type 035G submarines in 2013. These vessels underwent refitting in China before entering service in 2017 as BNS Nabajatra and BNS Joyjatra. Two retired Type 035G hulls are currently preserved as museum vessels in Tianjin and Shanghai.