The Chinese navy faces its biggest challenge in nuclear submarine technology not from the technology itself, but from the lack of detailed underwater terrain data, known as hydrographic data.
The ocean covers 71% of the Earth's surface, yet human exploration has only reached 5% of it.
Many believe there is a gap between China's nuclear submarine technology and that of the US and Russia, which is indeed true.
However, given the current level of technology, bridging this gap shouldn't take too long.
Yet, the challenge with nuclear submarines lies not just in their construction but in their operation.
Safe navigation of nuclear submarines underwater requires a thorough understanding of the terrain they traverse.
Unlike land environments, underwater terrain cannot be seen clearly with radar, satellites, or even the naked eye.
Submarines navigating in the pitch-black depths rely on sonar to proceed slowly and cautiously, akin to a blind person using a cane to feel their way forward.
Moreover, underwater terrain is not static.
A familiar route after one exploration may become hazardous due to new obstacles like hidden reefs during subsequent journeys.
Continuing on an outdated route could lead to collisions, as evidenced by the incident on October 2, 2021, when the US Navy's Virginia-class submarine, USS Connecticut, collided with an unidentified object while operating in the South China Sea, resulting in damage to the submarine.
Fortunately, no fatalities occurred, but eleven crew members sustained minor injuries.
Such incidents cannot solely be attributed to technological shortcomings of the Virginia-class submarine.
In fact, the Virginia-class is one of the world's most advanced attack submarines, with only three units built, each costing up to $3 billion, slightly less than the cost of the Shandong aircraft carrier.
With a submerged displacement of 9,150 tons and noise levels as low as 90 decibels, it is one of the quietest nuclear submarines in the world.
However, even with such advanced submarines, unfamiliarity with underwater terrain can still lead to collisions.
Currently, USS Connecticut is still under repair, with the repair expected to take at least five years and cost approximately $80 million.
This incident highlights the importance of underwater terrain data for the safe operation of nuclear submarines.
China started its nuclear submarine program relatively late.
China's first nuclear submarine was launched on December 26, 1970, and officially commissioned in August 1974, named "Long March No. 1."
In contrast, the United States' first nuclear submarine was launched as early as 1954 and Russia's in 1958, both significantly earlier than China's.
As two superpowers at the time, the US and Russia possessed abundant talent and technological reserves, far ahead in the field of nuclear submarines.
They accumulated a wealth of data and experience in both hydrographic data and submarine operations.
During the Cold War, the US and Russia frequently chased each other with nuclear submarines, exploring numerous underwater routes.
This accumulated experience cannot be replaced by technology alone; it requires time to build up.
In addition to nuclear submarines, the use of aircraft carriers and carrier-based aircraft also requires continuous training and practical experience to mature gradually.
Currently, although China's nuclear submarine technology cannot be considered highly advanced, it is already sufficiently operational.
Whether strategic nuclear submarines or attack submarines, China's next-generation submarines 095 and 096 are also under development, with their performance potentially comparable to, or even surpassing, those of the US and Russia in certain technical aspects.
While the next-generation nuclear submarines of the US and Russia have not made significant technological breakthroughs, China is progressing steadily, narrowing the gap.
Furthermore, obtaining hydrographic data not only requires technological advancement but also significant time and effort.
China has recognized this and is increasing its investment in marine exploration.
Over time, China's accumulation of underwater terrain data is expected to catch up with that of the US and Russia.
Although this will be a lengthy process, with the right direction, the future holds promise.
In addition to nuclear submarines, the use of aircraft carriers and carrier-based aircraft also requires extensive combat experience and training.
Although China's aircraft carrier development started late, it has progressed rapidly.
From the Liaoning to the Shandong, and now to the future Fujian, China's carrier battle group is gradually expanding.
The commissioning of each new aircraft carrier signifies an enhancement of China's naval combat capability.
The construction and training of carrier battle groups also rely on support from hydrographic data.
In conclusion, the development of nuclear submarine technology requires not only technological breakthroughs but also a wealth of accumulated experience and support from hydrographic data.
Although China started later in this regard, it is quickly catching up.
In the future, with advancements in technology and accumulation of experience, China's nuclear submarine technology will surely secure a place on the global stage.
Simultaneously, the accumulation of hydrographic data will provide a solid foundation for the overall development of the Chinese navy.
Through continuous exploration and effort, the Chinese navy will become increasingly adept in future maritime operations.
Comments