OVERVIEW: The Type 095 Sui is a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Commissioned in 2021, it represents a significant advancement in Chinese submarine technology, likely incorporating improved stealth characteristics and enhanced sensor capabilities compared to earlier PLAN SSN designs.

DETAILS:
The Type 095 program emerged from China's ongoing efforts to modernize its submarine fleet and project power in the Indo-Pacific region. Development likely commenced in the early 2000s, drawing upon both indigenous research and, potentially, acquired foreign technology. The design philosophy appears to emphasize acoustic quieting, bringing the Type 095 closer to contemporary Russian and Western SSN standards. Construction is believed to have taken place at Bohai Shipyard in Huludao, Liaoning province. The Type 095 represents a considerable qualitative leap, aiming to address perceived shortcomings in the acoustic signature and operational capabilities of previous generations of Chinese nuclear submarines. The exact number of units currently in service remains unconfirmed, but Western intelligence estimates suggest ongoing construction and planned deployment numbers.

The primary role of the Type 095 is anti-submarine warfare (ASW), targeting both surface combatants and other submarines, including potentially ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). It is also capable of anti-surface warfare (ASuW), posing a threat to enemy surface fleets. While not explicitly designed for anti-air warfare (AAW), it could potentially engage aerial targets in self-defense using surface-to-air missile variants launched from its torpedo tubes or vertical launch system cells. The Type 095 is also likely to be involved in intelligence gathering and surveillance operations within contested maritime areas. Its extended range and submerged endurance, thanks to nuclear propulsion, allow for persistent presence in strategically important waters.

The sensor suite of the Type 095 is comprehensive. The inclusion of the TSM 2233 Eledone sonar suite (likely a locally produced variant or license-built system) significantly enhances its underwater detection capabilities, allowing for long-range tracking of targets. The TSM 2233 system likely incorporates bow-mounted (DUUA 2D) and towed array (DSUV 2H) components. The China Type 921-A Golf Ball radar provides surface search and navigation capabilities. The China SQC-207 fire control system is integrated with both sonar and weapon systems. The TSM 2255 and TSM 2243 systems likely relate to communication and electronic warfare. The Snoop Tray 2 electronic support measures (ESM) system, potentially a variant of the MRK-50E Kaskad, provides signals intelligence gathering. The China SJG-206A TASS (Towed Array Sonar System) further enhances long-range ASW capabilities. Optical and LLTV periscopes are present for visual observation. Finally, dedicated SIGINT equipment allows for broader electronic intelligence gathering missions. The presence of the China Payload Module with 12 cells strongly suggests the capability to launch cruise missiles or specialized underwater vehicles, such as unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).

SPECIFICATION: Length: 115.0 m || Beam: 13.0 m || Draft: 11.0 m || Disp: 8000 t

SENSORS: TSM 2233 Eledone [DSUV 2H + DUUA 2D] || China Type 921-A Golf Ball || China SQC-207 || TSM 2255 || Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50E Kaskad] || TSM 2243 || China SJG-206A TASS || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV || Generic SIGINT

ARMAMENT: Signal Ejector || China Payload Module [12 Cells] || 533mm TT