China is moving toward all-nuclear submarine construction in a major strategic shift, US Navy intel chief says

"The PLAN "is executing a significant strategic shift from diesel-electric to all-nuclear construction, representing a fundamental departure from historical construction patterns." Expanded investments at three shipyards, major construction efforts, and infrastructure upgrades have increased China's nuclear submarine production rate from less than one boat a year "to significantly higher rates.""

"Expanding its nuclear fleet would allow Chinese submarines to stay submerged longer and operate farther from home without surfacing, potentially complicating US naval operations in the Pacific and beyond. Of more than 60 submarines in service, the People's Liberation Army Navy has at least 14 nuclear-powered boats - including attack, ballistic missile, and guided missile submarines."

China's navy is undergoing a strategic shift toward all-nuclear submarine construction, moving away from its historical reliance on diesel-electric vessels. Currently operating over 60 submarines with at least 14 nuclear-powered boats, China is expanding its nuclear fleet through increased investments at three shipyards and infrastructure upgrades. These improvements have raised nuclear submarine production from less than one boat annually to significantly higher rates. Nuclear-powered submarines enable longer submerged operations and extended range without surfacing, potentially complicating US naval operations in the Pacific. US projections indicate diesel submarines will remain part of the fleet, but new construction will increasingly be nuclear-powered, with this expansion expected to continue into the 2030s.

Read at Business Insider