Summary
- The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has developed a new hybrid submarine with a small nuclear powerplant combined with batteries and conventional powerplants.
- This new submarine, designated Type 041, represents a middle ground between existing diesel-electric and all-nuclear submarines in the PLAN’s fleet.
- The innovative design allows the submarine to charge batteries while submerged, cruise long distances underwater, and maintain stealth in enemy waters.
- Despite setbacks such as the sinking of an initial vessel, China is rapidly working to expand its fleet of these new hybrid attack submarines.