China’s nuclear submarine: Zhou-class vessel sunk during construction?
-Sinking in May or June at a shipyard in the inland city of Wuhan
-India to commission second nuclear submarine, Arigato, in August
Summary from the article published in the Chosun JoongAng Ilbo.
US Wall Street Journal: (WSJ)
Reported on September 26 (local time).
China is developing its latest Zhou-class nuclear attack submarine.
It sank in May or June this year at a shipyard in the inland city of Wuhan.
WSJ report:
Cranes gathered at the Wuhan shipyard to salvage the nuclear submarine.
WSJ quoted a US official as saying:
The sunken vessel was “highly likely to have been carrying nuclear fuel.”
The submarine is being built at a state-run shipyard in Wuchang, China, on the Yangtze River.
– At the end of May, it was reported that the final preparations had been made for the ship to depart port.
– In early June, satellite photos showed a large crane ship lifting the submarine.
About China’s latest Zhou ship:
The latest Zhou ship was developed to help China catch up with the US’s naval forces.
1. The sunken submarine is the first of the latest Zhou-class submarines to be built.
2. The stern is made in an “X” shape to improve maneuverability.
Suspicion of Chinese nuclear submarine sinking:
Suspicion that a submarine sank at this shipyard.
3. Western military media raised the issue based on commercial satellite photos.
4. For the first time, it has been revealed that China’s latest Zhou ship has sunk.
Heritage Foundation, Washington, D.C.: Sedler, researcher:
“This is a pretty big deal,” he said.
The sinking of the new nuclear submarine will delay China’s plans to expand its nuclear submarine fleet.
China will increase its defense budget by 7.2% for 2024. It will increase military spending to build up its navy.
China covered up the sinking:
China covered up the sinking of its nuclear submarine.
The Chinese government has not released any details about the sinking of the nuclear submarine.
The US authorities were aware of all of these facts, the WSJ reported.
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India: Second domestically-made nuclear submarine to be commissioned
・Second domestically-made nuclear submarine “Arighat” commissioned
・India keeps a wary eye on China and Pakistan
Summary from CNN article.
Domestically-made nuclear submarine “Arighat” commissioned
In August this year, India’s second domestically-made nuclear submarine “Arighat” was commissioned.
1. India explains that the commissioning of the second nuclear submarine is a strengthening of nuclear deterrence.
2. The Chinese military is increasing the number of vessels while also strengthening its capabilities on land and in the air.
Indian Defense Minister Singh:
On August 29, he attended the commissioning ceremony held at the naval base where the Indian Eastern Naval Command is located.
He said that the “Arighat” will “contribute to establishing a strategic balance” in the region.
Number of Chinese Navy Ships:
The Chinese Navy has the largest number of ships in the world.
It has six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).
1. It has more firepower than India’s two SSBNs (the recently commissioned “Arighat” and the first nuclear submarine “Arihant”).
2. China’s SSBNs can carry 12 ballistic missiles with a range of at least 8,000 km.
Janes’ Analysis:
The “Arighat” and “Arihant” are about 111 meters long and have a displacement of 6,000 tons.
1. They can launch their K15 “Sagarika” ballistic missiles from four vertical launch tubes.
2. The nuclear-powered “Sagarika” has a range of 750 km, so targets that can be attacked from the Indian Ocean are limited.
Capabilities of the Arighat and Arihant:
The Indian government has been tight-lipped about the capabilities of the Arihant-class nuclear submarine.
3. It has said that the Arighat is a significant improvement over the Arihant.
4. India has not even released a photo of the Arighat since it was commissioned in August.