Traditionally, nuclear submarines have been large vessels, weighing between 8,000 to 10,000 tons. However, given the shallow waters (around 300 meters deep) in the regions near China, there is ongoing debate about the necessity of deploying such massive submarines in these areas. Instead, the focus has shifted to smaller, more maneuverable nuclear-powered submarines.
Sources suggest that China may be developing the “Type 041,” a mini nuclear submarine that is essentially a nuclear-powered version of the existing Type 039 submarine. These submarines are expected to be between 2,000 to 4,000 tons, much smaller than traditional nuclear submarines.
A key feature under discussion is the Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. AIP allows submarines to operate without the need for atmospheric oxygen, enhancing their stealth and operational efficiency. While conventional submarines with AIP have been successful, they still face limitations in shallow waters due to their noise levels and detectable activity footprints.
In contrast, nuclear-powered submarines, which inherently possess AIP capabilities, offer significant advantages. These submarines can operate with low noise levels, making them difficult to detect. Unlike AIP submarines that need to maintain low speeds and extreme caution in shallow waters, nuclear-powered submarines can move quickly and cover greater distances without compromising stealth.
