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Fascinating! @NavalWarCollege/@ChinaMaritime Translation #33: “A Super-AIP #Submarine Under the Bayi Flag” https://t.co/TvQzWx9t1k Curated content & links to previous 32 CMSI translations here: https://t.co/SjkYACCsjt From CMSI Director CAPT @ChrisHSharman, @USNavy (Ret.): China Navy Watchers: Why might #China’s #Navy want a new class of “small-reactor” #nuclear submarines? That question is the focus of the China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI)’s latest translation. The article examines “small-reactor” nuclear submarines — vessels that use compact nuclear reactors as air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems. According to the author, these submarines could combine many of the advantages of conventional AIP boats with the endurance & operational flexibility associated with nuclear propulsion. They would be particularly well-suited for operations in the shallow Near Seas while avoiding many of the limitations of traditional diesel-electric submarines. Why does this matter now? The author cites a PLAN submarine force commanding officer who states that the force has shifted from emphasizing “prioritizing conventional capabilities” to a strategy of “equipping both nuclear & conventional capabilities, with a primary focus on nuclear.” So what? The author contends that “small-reactor” submarines would provide 3 major operational benefits: extending underwater patrols & ambush operations, enabling submarines to control larger maritime areas, & enhancing reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike effectiveness through improved endurance & integrated technologies. This article is rich — filled with graphics & schematics. Published in the March 2025 issue of Shipborne Weapons, this article offers a detailed discussion of how Chinese analysts are thinking about the future of submarine warfare. While not in an official PRC journal, the author uses a pseudonym in this navalist publication & appears informed of PLAN requirements. The article explores the technological pathways for integrating compact reactors into existing submarine designs, discusses potential reactor architectures & retrofit options, perceived deficiencies in underwater capabilities, & explains why the author believes these submarines are especially well suited to China’s maritime geography. For anyone interested in discussions related to the future direction of PLAN undersea capabilities, this translation is well worth your time.

AndrewSErickson's tweet photo. Fascinating! @NavalWarCollege/@ChinaMaritime Translation #33: “A Super-AIP #Submarine Under the Bayi Flag”

https://t.co/TvQzWx9t1k

Curated content & links to previous 32 CMSI translations here: https://t.co/SjkYACCsjt

From CMSI Director CAPT @ChrisHSharman, @USNavy (Ret.):

China Navy Watchers: Why might #China’s #Navy want a new class of “small-reactor” #nuclear submarines?

That question is the focus of the China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI)’s latest translation.

The article examines “small-reactor” nuclear submarines — vessels that use compact nuclear reactors as air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems. According to the author, these submarines could combine many of the advantages of conventional AIP boats with the endurance & operational flexibility associated with nuclear propulsion. They would be particularly well-suited for operations in the shallow Near Seas while avoiding many of the limitations of traditional diesel-electric submarines.

Why does this matter now?

The author cites a PLAN submarine force commanding officer who states that the force has shifted from emphasizing “prioritizing conventional capabilities” to a strategy of “equipping both nuclear & conventional capabilities, with a primary focus on nuclear.”

So what?

The author contends that “small-reactor” submarines would provide 3 major operational benefits: extending underwater patrols & ambush operations, enabling submarines to control larger maritime areas, & enhancing reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike effectiveness through improved endurance & integrated technologies.

This article is rich — filled with graphics & schematics.

Published in the March 2025 issue of Shipborne Weapons, this article offers a detailed discussion of how Chinese analysts are thinking about the future of submarine warfare. While not in an official PRC journal, the author uses a pseudonym in this navalist publication & appears informed of PLAN requirements.

The article explores the technological pathways for integrating compact reactors into existing submarine designs, discusses potential reactor architectures & retrofit options, perceived deficiencies in underwater capabilities, & explains why the author believes these submarines are especially well suited to China’s maritime geography.

For anyone interested in discussions related to the future direction of PLAN undersea capabilities, this translation is well worth your time.

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