China Raises Production of Attack Subs

Human Events estimated that by 2025, Chinese attack submarines will outnumber U.S. submarines in the Pacific by five to one. Chinese military modernization has accelerated since the mid-to-late 1990s in response to central leadership demands to develop military options against Taiwan scenarios. China is likely to continue making large investments in high-end, asymmetric military capabilities, emphasizing electronic and cyber-warfare; counter-space operations; ballistic and cruise missiles; advanced integrated air defense systems; next generation torpedoes; advanced submarines; strategic nuclear strike from modern, sophisticated land and sea-based systems; and theater unmanned aerial vehicles. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) submarine modernization program oversaw the acquisition of four modern Russian-built KILO subs, including the stealthy Type-636. Orders for eight more are on the books, with the first new boats to be delivered this month. China has also increased production -- to 2.5 boats per year -- of the Song-class diesel-electric submarine. China is also testing a new diesel-electric that the defense intelligence community has designated the Yuan. The Yuan is heavily inspired by Russian designs, including anechoic tile coatings and a super-quiet seven-blade screw. (Source: Human Events)