Satellite photos taken by H I Sutton in September, published on October 12, show what may be a new submarine yard under construction at Bohai Shipyard, Huludao City,
The size of the workshop is said to be enough to build two submarines at the same time.
Bohai Shipyard is where all of China’s nuclear submarines are built, including ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) and attack submarines (SSN).
Bohai Shipyard specializes in building Chinese nuclear submarines, September 19.
With the Chinese navy increasing its strength, the US Navy is expected to seek ways to adjust its force structure.
Secretary Esper’s proposed submarine force would include 70-80 attack submarines, described as `the most vital attack platform in a future great power conflict`.
Bohai Shipyard can build three new classes of submarines, including Type 093B, an upgraded variant of Type 093A class submarines.
The Type 093B class of submarines can use YJ-18 cruise missiles, similar to the Russian Kalibr series that China is equipping a number of other submarines with.
Bohai Shipyard may build Type 96 ballistic missile submarines, more modern than the latest variant of the Type 94 class. China is said to be able to build 6 new Type 94 submarines and increase the number.
USNI said no submarines have left the new factory area and these structures may serve other purposes.
Olivia