China building new next-generation submarine as India’s numbers stay constant

Fresh satellite imagery of China’s Bohai Shipyard shows a submarine believed to be a possible Type 095 nuclear-powered attack submarine under construction. The vessel features an apparent pumpjet propulsion system and X-shaped stern, suggesting efforts to improve stealth, efficiency and manoeuvrability. The development has regional implications as Pakistan expands its submarine fleet with eight Chinese-designed Hangor-class AIP submarines, expected to raise its fleet to 11. India operates 16 conventional and three strategic submarines, but fleet expansion has been delayed. Programmes including P-75I, Project-76 and indigenous nuclear attack submarines are progressing, but deliveries remain years away.