China Unveils 120-Meter Sailless Submarine as 2nd Launch Hints at New Nuclear Class
Updated
Updated · Naval News · Jun 3
China Unveils 120-Meter Sailless Submarine as 2nd Launch Hints at New Nuclear Class
3 articles · Updated · Naval News · Jun 3
Summary
Satellite imagery from May 31 and June 1 showed a previously unreported 120-meter Chinese submarine moored at Shanghai’s JN shipyard, revealing a new class with a minimal sail, sleek bow and X-form rudders.
Analysts say the design’s narrow, streamlined form likely cuts drag, but its role remains unclear; at that size, standard nuclear propulsion appears more likely than conventional power or the smaller nuclear-AIP concept.
A possible second launch at Huludao — China’s dedicated nuclear-submarine yard — suggests the Shanghai boat may not be a one-off, and two near-simultaneous launches would mark a significant production step.
The sighting also reopens debate over China’s Type-095 attack submarine, because another similarly sized boat reported in February had been provisionally identified as that class.
China has launched roughly 15-20 submarines in the past five years, including at least eight new classes, while keeping first-of-class programs largely unannounced and forcing outside analysts to rely on satellite evidence.
How will China's radical 'sailless' submarine reshape the underwater balance of power with the United States?
How does China's deep-sea mapping and 'Military-Civil Fusion' strategy create such advanced naval weapons?
China Launches World's First Large Sailless Submarine: Type 09V/095 Signals New Era in Submarine Stealth and Power
Overview
In late May and early June 2026, China's Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai unveiled a large new submarine that stands out for its complete absence of a traditional sail. This radical, sailless design marks a groundbreaking step in naval architecture, suggesting a focus on advanced performance and specialized roles. The submarine’s substantial size and unique configuration point to possible optimization for seabed operations, allowing for more streamlined movement and enhanced stealth. Overall, this innovative vessel highlights China’s push for technological advancement in undersea warfare and signals a significant evolution in submarine design.