China Builds New Nuclear Submarine, Satellite Imagery Shows

A new submarine is under construction at China’s Bohai Shipyard in Huludao, which analysts identify as a prospective Type 095 nuclear-powered submarine.

The War Zone reported this, citing new satellite imagery from Vantor captured on September 18.

Earlier satellite imagery did not provide enough detail to examine the submarine’s design, so its identification as part of the prospective Type 095 program remained speculative.

The new imagery allowed Janes analysts to identify the submarine as a Type 095 nuclear-powered attack submarine. At the same time, The War Zone notes that it remains unclear which recently built Chinese submarine is shown in the imagery. There is no official confirmation of its type.

The imagery clearly shows a pumpjet propulsor, which provides quieter operation and greater efficiency at high submerged speeds. A similar solution is also used on China’s upgraded Type 093B nuclear-powered submarines.

Another notable feature is the X-shaped stern plane arrangement, which the Type 093 B lacks. This configuration could improve maneuverability and control while reducing acoustic signature compared with a conventional cruciform stern. The submarine is approximately 120 meters long.

A September 1 satellite image also showed an open rectangular section of the hull behind the sail. It could potentially be a space for vertical launch systems, allowing the submarine to deploy anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles.

However, naval analyst Alex Luck cautioned that satellite imagery cannot determine the purpose of this section. It could also be related to access to the reactor compartment or other structural elements.

Analysts have also observed at least two large circular openings in the submarine’s bow. Their purpose is currently unknown — they could be associated with launch systems or components of the sonar suite.

China is simultaneously testing several new submarine designs. In addition to the Type 095, information emerged in 2024 about the Type 041/Zhou hybrid submarine, while another new design with a very compact sail appeared at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai in 2026.

The U.S. Navy has previously stated that China is gradually transitioning from diesel-electric to nuclear-powered submarines. The prospective Type 095 and strategic Type 096 submarines are expected to feature new reactors, improved sensors, advanced weapon systems, and reduced acoustic signatures. The next-generation submarines are expected to enter service with the Chinese Navy in the late 2020s and throughout the 2030s.

Militarnyi previously reported that China had become the world’s second-largest operator of nuclear-powered submarines, trailing only the United States. This reflects the overall expansion of the PLAN’s submarine fleet, accompanied by the emergence of new nuclear-powered submarine designs.