China reportedly building world's first sail-less submarine, a 'ghost' of the deep?

China is reportedly constructing a novel type of submarine that eliminates the traditional sail, or conning tower, a feature that could significantly enhance its stealth capabilities. This technological advancement, if successfully implemented, would mark a world-first in submarine design and has drawn attention due to the technical challenges involved.

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The sail-less design could reduce resistance by about one-third, enhancing maneuverability in shallow waters.

According to reports citing French military publication Naval News, a new submarine lacking a conventional sail has been observed under construction at Shanghai's Jiangnan Shipyard. Satellite imagery from early May indicates the vessel is approximately 120 meters long and 10-11 meters wide, suggesting it is a manned submarine. The sail on conventional submarines typically houses equipment like periscopes, communication devices, and sensors. Removing it could reduce underwater resistance, thereby improving stealth, maneuverability, and speed.

Military analysts suggest that a sail-less design would bolster China's 'hunt and kill' capabilities, enabling more effective tracking and destruction of enemy submarines. Wei Gang, a Chinese People's Liberation Army colonel and military commentator, explained that eliminating the sail could reduce resistance by about one-third, enhancing maneuverability in shallow waters. He also noted that integrating sensors into the hull could pave the way for higher levels of automation and potentially unmanned operations in the future.

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Integrating sensors into the hull could pave the way for higher levels of automation and potentially unmanned operations in the future.

This reported vessel is the second new Chinese submarine identified via satellite imagery this year. Another submarine was spotted under construction at the Bohai Shipyard in Liaoning Province in February, with speculation that it could be China's Type 095 next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine. Naval News also suggests the Jiangnan Shipyard submarine might be a Type 095. China's navy has been rapidly expanding its submarine forces. A February report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) indicated that China's production of nuclear-powered submarines has surged since 2021, surpassing the U.S. in launch numbers and tonnage. While China's submarine technology may still lag behind the U.S. and European nations, the sheer increase in numbers poses a growing challenge to Western navies facing difficulties in expanding their own capabilities.

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China has rapidly expanded its submarine military power.