[diesel00]

"Between 2002 and last year, China built 14 new submarines, including new Song-class vessels and several other types, both diesel- and nuclear-powered."


Song-class diesel (the class that stalked Kitty Hawk)


Song-class diesel

[diesel00]

The newer Yuan-class diesel, thought to be an improvement of the Song-class.

[albertabound]

.......make that a double order of kung pow chicken and go light on the M.S.G. please......

[sukhoi-30mki]

Your posted info mentions design influences from the French Agosta 90B design,which has been sold to only one nation for license building.That nation also happens to be China's oldest strategic ally after North Korea.Don't know about the level of active/passive French involvement,but this could be bad esp if their AIP system is passed onto the PRC.It will be a big force multiplier for the PRC.

The Yuan class in most probability from available sources appears to be version of the Kilo which is a more complex design than the Song class.It makes sense China to aim at having 2 classes of D/E subs in the longterm.One entirely homebuilt with Western & local tech & another derived from Russian help.

[melancholy]

Wait until they build the Dance class.