Type-039A (Yuan)

The Type 039A Yuan-class is a class of diesel-electric submarines in the People's Liberation Army Navy. It is China's first AIP (Air-Independent Propulsion) equipped submarine, significantly enhancing its underwater endurance and stealth capabilities.

Developed in the early 2000s to succeed the Song-class and counter regional naval adversaries, the Type 039A integrated domestic innovations with design influences from imported Russian Kilo-class submarines. The lead vessel of the class was launched in 2004 and officially entered service in 2006. While primarily patrolling the East and South China Seas, the class has also conducted notable long-range deployments into the Indian Ocean for anti-piracy and escort missions. Today, the Yuan-class serves as the backbone of China's conventional submarine fleet, with upgraded variants continuing production and export versions sold to nations like Pakistan and Thailand.