China's nuclear submarine building facilities expansion leaves India concerned, one facility can make 7 nuclear-powered submarines simultaneously
Updated Sep 07, 2021 | 23:01 IS
New Delhi: The huge expansion of China's nuclear submarine building facilities has the world, and also India, concerned.
The Huludao Shipyard, once the Bohai Shipyard in Liaoning Province has more than tripled in size and is now capable of making 7 nuclear-powered submarines simultaneously.
The original construction area was about 300,000 sq metres, but it is now three times the size. So, instead of being able to make 2 submarines simultaneously, it can make 7.
As a result, the expansion of the Chinese nuclear submarine fleet is likely in the near future. Currently, the Chinese Navy has 13 nuclear-powered attack submarines or SSNs and SSBNs or nuclear-powered ballistic submarines. The Chinese Navy has 1 Xia class, 6 Jin-class and 6 Shang class submarines. This is estimated to grow to 36 nuclear-powered submarines in 15 years. There could be 12 SSBNs, which carry long-range missiles and 24 SSNs.
The new submarines could be bigger and more capable. The Tang class vessels can carry 24 submarine launched ballistic missiles as opposed to 12 by the current ones. The Sui class vessels at 8000 tonnes will be bigger than the Shang class ones.
India has begun manufacturing the Arihant-class nuclear powered submarines and leasing nuclear-powered attack submarines from Russia. Nuclear-powered submarines have more capability than other submaines, though both are necessary. The chief of defence staff, General Bipin Rawat, has already spoken out about having more submarines, especially conventional submarines, pointing out that previous Indian Navy chiefs had often spoken about bolstering the submarine fleet.
The expansion of the Chinese nuclear submarine fleet is likely in the near future.
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