Recently updated satellite imagery has captured the latest development of a Chinese naval base, which hosts the country’s nuclear-powered submarine force, according to an analyst.
Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email.
Why It Matters
This past December, the Pentagon assessed that China, which has the world’s largest navy by hull count with over 370 vessels, is expected to expand its submarine force from 60 boats to 65 by this year and 80 by a decade later due to an expansion of submarine building capacity.
The Pentagon’s report noted that China has built 12 submarines powered by nuclear reactors since 2009, including two Type 093 and four Type 093A attack submarines, which are conventionally armed, as well as six Type 094 submarines capable of launching nuclear ballistic missiles.
What To Know
Alex Luck, an Australia-based naval analyst, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday that Google Earth has updated the satellite imagery of Qingdao First Submarine Base on China’s east coast. At least six submarines can be observed pier-side, while another one was spotted in a drydock, he said.
GE imagery update of Qingdao First Submarine Base, with several nuclear powered boats visible. Red Type 09I (likely training boats/MTS), green Type 09III(A), blue Type 09IV SSBN, yellow unidentified hull, 09IIIA or possibly 09IIIB, purple unidentified hull in dock. pic.twitter.com/CaWPOGCk9T
— Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) April 11, 2025
Five of the nuclear-powered submarines shown in the image were conventionally armed, the analyst noted, including two Type 091 and two Type 093A, as well as an unidentified one.
The sole Chinese Type 092 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine also appeared in the image. The experimental Type 092 is now inoperable and is replaced by its more advanced successor, the Type 094, the Federation of American Scientists wrote in a report in March.
With regard to the unidentified submarine in the drydock, Luck suggested that it could be a boat undergoing scrapping, given maintenance is regularly also performed at another site.
Finally the unidentified hull in drydock. Could be a boat undergoing scrapping, given maintenance is regularly also performed at Bohai. pic.twitter.com/XrC5ol0mv4
— Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) April 11, 2025
While China is growing its submarine force to challenge America’s naval dominance in the Western Pacific Ocean, it has reportedly lost its newest nuclear-powered attack submarine, dubbed Type 041, after the submarine sank at a shipyard in late May or early June last year.
During the unprecedented China’s naval circumnavigation of Australia, which took place from mid-February to early March, it was reported that the flotilla, consisting of a destroyer, a frigate, and a replenishment ship, likely deployed with a nuclear-powered submarine.
Meanwhile, the United States has deployed five nuclear-powered submarines, which are conventionally armed, on the island of Guam, a military hub in the Western Pacific Ocean.
Google Earth
What People Are Saying
The Pentagon’s China military power report read: “The [People’s Liberation Army Navy] has highly prioritized modernizing its submarine force but its force structure continues to grow modestly as it matures its force, integrates new technologies, and expands its shipyards.”
Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck wrote for specialist outlet Naval News in January: “[People’s Liberation Army Navy] is also in the process of expanding submarine berthing at primary bases in Qingdao and on Hainan to accommodate the expanded fleet.”
Wen Xuexing, a captain at a submarine detachment of the Chinese navy, said last June: “Now, the country’s submarine force development comprises both nuclear-powered and conventional boats, with nuclear-powered being the main focus.”
What Happens Next?
It remains to be seen whether additional satellite imagery of China’s submarine bases or shipyards will be available for analysis, revealing the development of China’s undersea warfare capabilities.