Type 039A-class (Yuan)

The Type 039A (also known as the Yuan-class) is a class of diesel-electric submarines in service with the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China. Sometimes also referred to as Type 041, it is a major improvement over the older Type 039 (Song-class) submarines and is considered to be one of the more modern conventional submarines in the PLAN's fleet. The Yuan-class is equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, which allow it to stay submerged for longer periods without needing to surface for air, thus enhancing its stealth capabilities.

The submarine has a length of approximately 77.6 meters and a displacement of around 3600 tons when submerged. It is armed with torpedoes and can also launch anti-ship missiles. The Yuan-class is capable of underwater speeds of up to 20 knots and has a crew complement of around 36. It is generally considered to be equipped with modern sonar and combat management systems, although exact specifications are not publicly disclosed due to their sensitive nature.

The Yuan-class is seen as a significant step forward in terms of the PLAN's undersea capabilities, especially when compared to older Chinese submarine designs. However, it is still generally considered to be less advanced than the latest diesel-electric submarines fielded by countries like Germany and Japan. Nonetheless, the Yuan-class represents a credible threat in regional conflicts and is a key component of China's expanding naval capabilities.