In mid-June, China’s state-owned CCTV released footage showing a Chinese submarine using an advanced torpedo to sink a naval target. The demonstration which featured a Yu-10 torpedo, was part of a broader PLA exercise and highlighted the potential for significantly enhancing China’s conventional submarine effectiveness against major naval assets, including aircraft carriers.
The video, which quickly went viral on social media platforms like China’s Weibo and X (formerly known as Twitter), depicted the impact of the torpedo. The footage showed a retired Type 074 amphibious landing vessel being hit by the Yu-10, causing its stern to rise out of the water from the explosion and creating a towering column of water nearly 100 meters high.
According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) referencing the Chinese military magazine Ordnance Industry Science Technology, the Yu-10 torpedo employs sophisticated wake-homing technology. This system enables the torpedo to use the target vessel’s wake to adjust its orientation, significantly improving its ability to track and strike moving targets with increased responsiveness, accuracy, and resistance to jamming.
The Yu-10, also known as Fish-10, features advanced composite guidance and propulsion modules, putting its performance on par with the world’s most advanced torpedoes. Introduced around 2015, it has become a standard weapon for PLA Navy submarines and surface ships. With an estimated range of at least 50 km (31 miles), the Yu-10 is comparable to the U.S.-made MK-48 Mod7 torpedo.
The torpedo in the demonstration was launched from a Type 039B diesel-electric submarine, also known as the Yuan-class. These submarines form the backbone of the Chinese navy’s conventional submarine fleet, with 17 currently in active service. The Type 039B features an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, allowing for extended underwater missions without needing atmospheric oxygen. The newer Type 039C variant offers enhanced stealth and reduced noise capabilities.
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