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Satellite image confirms pumpjet propulsor on China's Type 095 SSN
Vantor imagery shows a Type 095 SSN in dry dock at Huludao in China. The pumpjet propulsor and X-shaped stern planes are clearly visible. (Satellite image © 2026 Vantor/© 2026 Janes)
By Ridzwan Rahmat | 21 September 2026
Recent satellite imagery of a new Chinese nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) provides the clearest evidence yet that Beijing has opted for a pumpjet propulsor for its next-generation boat.
Imagery collected on 1 September 2026 and analysed by Janes shows the submarine in a dry dock at Huludao, allowing key features of its stern section to be observed.
In imagery analysed in February 2026, the submarine was waterborne and key portions of its stern were obscured. Its position in dry dock now provides an unobstructed view of the aft section.
This latest imagery clearly reveals a shrouded pumpjet propulsor and four stern planes arranged in an X-tail configuration.
The imagery supports long-standing assessments that China may be incorporating more sophisticated acoustic and hydrodynamic features into its latest attack submarine design.
The pumpjet propulsor is clearly discernible at the extreme stern.
Rather than employing a conventional exposed propeller, the submarine uses a ducted propulsion arrangement in which rotor and stator components are enclosed within a shroud.
Pumpjets are generally associated with noise reduction and improved propulsion efficiency at higher speeds.
The boat's stern control surfaces differ from the cruciform arrangement employed on China's previous nuclear submarine designs. This represents the first known adoption of an X-tail arrangement on a Chinese SSN.
The SSN's streamlined sail, with no visible fairwater planes, is also apparent in the latest imagery.
The imagery cannot conclusively confirm the arrangement of the submarine's forward control surfaces.
Satellite image confirms pumpjet propulsor on China's Type 095 SSN
Recent satellite imagery of a new Chinese nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) provides the clearest evidence yet that Beijing has opted for a pumpjet propulsor for...
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