Group : Ballistic Submarines
Status : Active
Also Known As : Qing
Origin : China
Contractor : Wuhan Shipbuilding Industry Company
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : October 12, 2012
Total Production : 1

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Type 032, also known as Qing-class, is a conventionally-powered submarine (SSK) displacing more than 6,000 tons and is considered the largest SSK in the world. The double-hull submarine propulsion system is based upon diesel-electric engines and can stay submerged for over 30 days. The purpose of the Type 032 is to support experimental technologies, such as escape pod, that may be implemented on large nuclear-powered submarines such as Type 095 and Type 096. Nevertheless the boat has been designed to carry out strike missions utilizing cruise missiles (four) and ballistic missiles (two), new torpedoes, surface-to-air missiles (SAM) as well as unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV). The PLAN commissioned the first boat in 2012 and since the ships has undergone sea trials with no aim to commission further boats in the near future. Chinese strategic submarines such Type 094 class cannot deploy beyond its surrounding seas because of the capabilities of the Japanese and US Navies. The Type 032 may provide a more effective strike capability against the United States than the current nuclear-powered boats do.