Pentagon confirms China's newest nuclear submarine sank?

The Wall Street Journal reported on September 26 that a new generation of Chinese nuclear-powered submarine sank in May or June at a harbor in the city of Wuhan. Experts told the newspaper that it was likely carrying nuclear fuel at the time.

Satellite images from Planet Labs in June showed several cranes near the wharf of the Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan, where the submarine was likely docked.

Pentagon confirms China's newest nuclear submarine sinks

The ship has been salvaged but it will likely take months to repair and return to sea.

Bloomberg quoted a Pentagon spokesman confirming the submarine sank but did not specify whether it was carrying nuclear fuel.

Satellite images from June show multiple cranes at the Wuchang shipyard.

A US defense official told CNN it was the first of the Zhou class of nuclear-powered attack submarines, which feature a distinctive X-shaped stern designed to improve underwater maneuverability.

Satellite imagery from March 10 shows the Zhou-class submarine docked at the port. Images from June showed the vessel no longer at the pier, according to CNN.

Satellite image on March 10 shows Zhou-class submarine docked at the pier.

PHOTO: CNN SCREENSHOT

The Chinese military has not commented on the information. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC (USA) told CNN when asked for comment: "We are not aware of the situation you mentioned and currently have no information to provide."

According to a Pentagon report in October 2023, the Chinese navy has 12 nuclear-powered submarines, including 6 ballistic missile submarines, and 48 diesel submarines.

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The US Congressional Research Service (CRS) estimates that China will have 65 submarines by 2025 and 80 by 2035 with increased shipbuilding capacity.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lau-nam-goc-xac-nhan-tau-ngam-hat-nhan-moi-nhat-trung-quoc-chim-185240927065544741.htm