PLA's Type 032 submarine similar to USS Ohio: expert

[ImperialWalker]

PLA's Type 032 submarine similar to USS Ohio: expert
Staff Reporter 2013-08-01 16:53

The Type 032 Qing-class submarine. (Internet photo)

Designed as a test platform for the PLA Navy, the primary mission of the Type 032 Qing-class submarine is to test launch advanced weaponry like the JL-2 intercontinental ballistic missile, according to Richard Fisher, an expert on Chinese military affairs, in a article written for Jane's Defence Weekly on July 23.

The development of China's Qing-class submarine began in January 2005 and was completed in 2010. It entered service with the PLA Navy on Oct. 16 last year and is said to be ready to conduct weapons tests this year. With a displacement of 3,797 tonnes and a submerged displacement of 6,628 tonnes, the Type 032 is currently the world's largest conventional submarine.

After analyzing photos published online, Fisher said that the Type 032 can carry at least two of China's JL-2 intercontinental ballistic missiles. Since the maximum range of the JL-2 is 14,000 kilometers, it can reach the continental United States when launched from Chinese littoral waters. However, it is also said that the Type 032 would not be able to fire JL-2 missiles vertically from its tubes in front of the sail.

Various weapon systems including anti-aircraft, cruise and even fiber-optic guided missiles can be launched from the submarine, Fisher said. This shows that the Type 032 is not only designed as a type of strategic offensive arms, but can also be used to conduct tactical missions against enemy carriers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Fisher added that operations can also be launched from the Type 032 submarine by the special forces or unmanned underwater vehicles, showing that China is currently the only nation to construct a submarine with similar capabilities to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines of the United States Navy, he said.