By the end of 2024, Egypt and China held high-level negotiations regarding the procurement of China's Type 039A submarine (NATO designation "Yuan-class"), which is renowned for its stealth capabilities and advanced air-independent propulsion (AIP) system. This submarine may significantly enhance the Egyptian Navy's strength through technology transfer and local production agreements, becoming a "game-changer" in its maritime strategy.
The Type 039A submarine is an advanced conventional diesel-electric submarine designed by the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, entering service in 2006 as the first Chinese naval submarine equipped with an AIP system. This system allows the submarine to operate underwater continuously for weeks without surfacing, combined with its low acoustic signature, making it one of the quietest diesel-electric submarines globally. Its teardrop-shaped double-hull design draws inspiration from Russia's Kilo-class submarines but has been optimized for hydrodynamic performance and stealth through indigenous innovations. The hull is covered with sound-absorbing tiles to absorb sonar waves, and its seven-bladed inclined propeller minimizes cavitation noise, achieving a speed of up to 20 knots with a range of approximately 12,000 kilometers.
The core of the AIP system is the Stirling engine technology developed by the No. 711 Research Institute of China, with a power output of about 100 kW per unit (possibly equipped with two units), providing quiet propulsion comparable to Sweden's Gotland-class or Japan's Soryu-class submarines. Compared to traditional diesel-electric submarines that require frequent surface charging, the long underwater endurance capability of the Type 039A provides significant advantages in sensitive waters such as the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
The Type 039A submarine is equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching Yu-6 wire-guided torpedoes (optimized for anti-submarine warfare with a range of 45 km), Yu-4 passive homing torpedoes (targeting surface vessels), and YJ-18 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles. The YJ-18 missile has a range exceeding 200 km and carries a 165 kg warhead, posing a lethal threat to surface ships. Additionally, the submarine can deploy 24 to 36 mines through its torpedo tubes to blockade strategic waterways. Its weapon systems are integrated by an advanced battlefield management system, enhancing targeting accuracy and operational efficiency while catering to both coastal and open-sea missions.
The Egyptian Navy currently operates four German Type 209/1400 submarines and four Russian Kilo-class submarines. The 209 type is renowned for its reliability but lacks an AIP system, with underwater endurance limited to a few days and a relatively traditional weapons system. Although the Kilo-class has a low acoustic signature, its technology is outdated and similarly lacks an AIP system. The stealth, long endurance, and YJ-18 missile capabilities of the Type 039A fill critical gaps in the Egyptian Navy, particularly in protecting economic lifelines such as the Suez Canal and the Zohr gas field, enabling secret patrols, intelligence gathering, and long-range strike missions.
For instance, the Type 039A could lie in wait near the Zohr gas field for several days, using advanced sonar (such as potentially derived from Russia's MGK-500 or France's Thales designs) to track vessels undetected, and launch precise strikes with YJ-18 missiles from over 200 kilometers away when necessary before withdrawing. This capability will greatly enhance Egypt's deterrence and power projection in the Mediterranean and Red Seas.
The negotiations involve technology transfer, allowing Egypt to assemble or maintain Type 039A submarines domestically to reduce external dependence and promote local employment. However, the complexity of the AIP system and advanced sonar presents logistical and training challenges. Egyptian sailors may need rigorous training in China to learn stealth tactics and missile operations. Integrating this Chinese platform requires adapting to existing maintenance systems of Western and Russian equipment, necessitating substantial infrastructure investment.
China challenges traditional arms exporters like Russia and Germany through Type 039A exports (e.g., Pakistan's S20, Thailand's S26T). If Egypt procures the Type 039A, it will continue its diversified arms sourcing strategy and deepen military cooperation with China. This transaction not only solidifies China's position in the Middle Eastern arms market but also paves the way for further Type 039A exports. Egypt enhances its naval modernization and protects maritime sovereignty by introducing advanced submarines. This "silent predator" may become a milestone in Egypt's naval modernization and marks China's rise in the global defense market.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7508553724223177254/
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