Toward Decline
Chinese Next-Generation Submarine Developments Spotted In New Satellite Imagery
Why it matters
Type 095 development represents a material step forward in Chinese submarine quietness, speed, and manoeuvrability, reducing the underwater advantage Australia and allies currently hold in Indo-Pacific ASW and maritime denial. This strengthens PLA capability to coerce Taiwan and contest Australian operations in the region, narrowing the operational margin within which AUKUS SSNs (arriving 2035+) will operate and increasing the relative cost of Australian maritime deterrence.
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