The J-10CE hasn't made any moves yet, but China's underwater "big black fish" is already generating interest. Could Egypt become the second customer for the 039B submarine?
According to multiple Egyptian media reports, the Egyptian Navy is currently evaluating the potential import of the Chinese-made 039B AIP conventional submarine. Having previously purchased four 033-class conventional submarines from China in the 1980s—designated as the ES5A class—the Egyptian Navy later conducted extensive upgrades on these vessels, installing new sonar systems and enabling them to launch 533mm heavy acoustic-guided torpedoes, bringing their technical capabilities up to the standard of China’s domestically used 033G-class submarines.
These 033 submarines were only retired from active service and converted into training vessels in 2022. Over their forty years of operation, they performed exceptionally well, leaving a deep impression on the Egyptian Navy, which has consistently praised their performance and reliability.
Therefore, the Egyptian Navy is taking the potential acquisition of the advanced Chinese 039B AIP conventional submarine very seriously. The export version of the 039B submarine has a surface displacement of approximately 2,800 tons and is equipped with Stirling engine-based AIP (Air-Independent Propulsion) systems, allowing it to remain submerged for extended periods—its maximum underwater endurance can reach up to 65 days. If Egypt succeeds in acquiring such submarines, they would serve as highly effective strategic assets, capable of delivering significant deterrence whether operating in the Mediterranean or the Red Sea.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875265392995340/
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