Inside China’s Latest Submarine Development and Its Potential Impact on US Defense – SOFREP News Team

China is reportedly developing a new attack submarine designed to counter the United States’ missile defense systems deployed in the Indo-Pacific region.

The new submarine, which may feature advanced hypersonic missiles, is expected to enhance China’s naval capabilities, potentially altering the strategic balance in the region.

This development, which has been reported by Naval & Merchant Ships—a publication with ties to China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), a key supplier to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy—raises new questions about China’s military strategy and its response to US defense deployments in the region.

Submarine’s Role and Capabilities

The reported purpose of this new Chinese attack submarine is to neutralize American missile defense systems, particularly those deployed in the Indo-Pacific, which are seen as a direct threat to Chinese military interests.

The submarine is expected to carry hypersonic missiles, which are capable of traveling at speeds greater than Mach 5, making them extremely difficult to intercept. These missiles would allow China to launch strikes from behind enemy lines, circumventing missile defense systems and potentially targeting critical US military assets.

According to the report, the new submarine would work in concert with other PLA Navy assets, potentially complicating the defense strategies of adversaries, particularly the United States.

The combination of advanced stealth capabilities and the deployment of hypersonic missiles could force US and allied forces to spread their defenses thinly across a larger area, making them more vulnerable to attacks.

Chinese submarine
A satellite image of an alleged Chinese submarine currently under development. (Planet Labs)

This development comes amidst rising tensions between China and the US over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a vital waterway for global trade.