The U.S. Naval War College's China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI) has released a major report.
They didn't beat around the bush with diplomatic jargon, but directly revealed: China's submarine force is no longer what it used to be, and it now has a new set of methods that can "sink American aircraft carriers to the bottom of the sea."
Looking back ten or twenty years ago, those were the most humiliating days for our navy. At that time, the "Han" class nuclear submarines were so noisy that they made people embarrassed.
Western media was harsh, giving them an nickname called "underwater tractor." U.S. sonar operators even joked that they could hear the sound of our submarines thousands of kilometers away as soon as they left port.
Over the past decade, we have been working hard in silence. Now, the situation has changed. This U.S. think tank is specifically warning about our most advanced 039C conventional submarine and improved 093B attack nuclear submarine.
As for the 039C, you might have noticed in the news that its conning tower has a shape like a "mushroom head" with sharp angles. This is not for aesthetics, but for physical stealth.
The U.S. report admits that this design combined with the latest acoustic tiles and AIP (air-independent propulsion) technology makes this submarine extremely quiet underwater, almost blending into the ocean background noise.
Previously, "you haven't even left the port, and they already know where you are," but now, "you may be right under their feet, yet they still can't find you."
The biggest anxiety in this U.S. think tank report is not how many submarines we have built, but rather the qualitative change in tactics and weapons. The so-called "new method" can be summarized into three points.
First, the "YJ-21" missile launched underwater. This is the one point that keeps American aircraft carrier commanders awake at night. Previously, submarines had to approach aircraft carriers with torpedoes, which was very risky. U.S. intelligence indicates that our submarines now have the capability to launch the YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship missile.
How tough is this weapon? It travels at 6 times the speed of sound throughout, and reaches up to 10 times the speed of sound at the end. In terms of previous tactics, it's like using a dagger for close combat; now, it's like setting up a silencer-equipped sniper rifle hundreds of kilometers away. The U.S. aircraft carrier's "Aegis" air defense system cannot react in time against this speed.
Second, the tail flow guidance torpedo that deals with "showy" countermeasures. When U.S. aircraft carriers face torpedo attacks, they usually release gas bubble bombs or acoustic decoys to create false noises and divert the torpedo. However, in the new tactics, tail flow guidance technology has become widespread.
This torpedo doesn't listen to sounds; it "smells" the trail. A massive aircraft carrier weighing tens of thousands of tons leaves behind a long-lasting bubble trail in the water as it moves. Our torpedoes follow this trail relentlessly, and no matter how many decoys you release, they just keep targeting the ship. This simple and brutal tactic is often deadly.
Third, the "wolf pack" has full map visibility. The current submarine warfare is no longer a solo effort. Through data links from high-altitude satellites and underwater unmanned vehicles, our submarines can act like they've opened a "cheat code" in a game. The U.S. think tank is surprised to find that Chinese submarines can cooperate with satellites in the sky, acting as the final "kill shot" in this large kill chain.
Why are Americans now panicking?
Ultimately, it's because their own rhythm has fallen apart.
The U.S. "Columbia" class strategic nuclear submarine is still being delayed on the construction dock, and the current "Virginia" class attack nuclear submarine is too expensive, with maintenance waiting lists extending far into the future. Their previously proud underwater advantage is being rapidly offset by us at a very cost-effective price.
The report contains a sentence that carries a hint of bitterness: "China's navy is using cost advantages to offset decades of U.S. technological accumulation."
This is not simply a cost advantage. It is the result of decades of relentless efforts by China's defense industry, where they have meticulously calculated every detail and carefully designed every blueprint.
Watching the U.S. think tank loudly shouting about the "threat," we should have our own understanding. They promote the "threat theory" to get military funding, but it also indirectly confirms the growth of our strength.
Having "new methods to destroy aircraft carriers" does not mean we are eager for war.
Dignity exists only at the tip of the sword, and truth only lies within the range of the cannon.
Today's Chinese submarines are no longer the noisy "tractor," but the silent and solid cornerstone of peace in the deep blue ocean.
References:
U.S. Naval War College, China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI) Reports, "Chinese Undersea Warfare: Development, Capabilities, Trends," 2024-2025.
Original: toutiao.com/article/7614771171381068324/
Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author alone.