Egypt Daily News – According to Tactical Report, a platform specializing in military and strategic affairs, Egypt entered negotiations with China at the end of 2024 to acquire advanced Type 039A submarines.
The Type 039A submarine incorporates a range of advanced features that set it apart from conventional diesel-electric designs. Its propulsion system combines diesel-electric power with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP), significantly extending its submerged endurance without the need to surface.
The vessel is equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes, capable of deploying heavyweight torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and naval mines, giving it versatile offensive capabilities.
On the technological front, the Type 039A is fitted with sophisticated sonar systems, electronic warfare suites, and a fully integrated digital combat management system that enhances both situational awareness and combat performance. Its stealth-oriented design includes a teardrop-shaped hull and noise-suppression features, making it exceptionally quiet and harder to detect in underwater operations.
The timing of these talks coincides with an anticipated historic visit by the Chinese president to Egypt, during which several military and economic agreements are expected to be signed. The visit is likely to include announcements of joint projects and investment deals, underlining the deepening strategic ties between the two countries.
Chinese Stealth Submarines: Shifting the Underwater Balance
The negotiations reportedly extend beyond arms procurement. Egypt is also pursuing technology transfer and potential local production agreements, signaling an ambition to establish a domestic naval industry capable of maintaining and potentially producing these advanced submarines.
The Type 039A submarines, known in NATO classification as the Yuan-class, are among the most advanced non-nuclear submarines in the world. Developed by China’s state-owned shipbuilding companies, they entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy in 2006 and were the first Chinese submarines to feature AIP technology. This capability allows them to remain submerged for over two weeks without surfacing or using snorkels to recharge batteries, significantly increasing their stealth and operational effectiveness.
Stealth Design and Advanced Offensive Capabilities
The Yuan-class submarine measures approximately 77.6 meters in length and 8.4 meters in beam, with a submerged displacement of around 3,600 tons. Its double-hull, teardrop-shaped design draws inspiration from Russia’s Kilo-class submarines, but includes modern Chinese innovations to enhance hydrodynamic performance and reduce acoustic signature, crucial for evading sonar detection.
Equipped with advanced sonar, torpedoes, and anti-ship missile capabilities, the 039A presents a formidable underwater threat and represents a technological leap for conventional submarines. If acquired and potentially co-produced by Egypt, these submarines would not only enhance the Egyptian Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities but also mark a strategic pivot toward China in the global defense landscape.
The Egyptian Navy currently operates a mixed fleet of eight diesel-electric submarines (SSKs), reflecting a strategy of diversification. This includes four aging Chinese-supplied Type 033 (Romeo-class) submarines, each outfitted with eight 533mm torpedo tubes and armed with UGM-84C Harpoon Block 1B anti-ship missiles and Mk 37 heavyweight torpedoes. Though upgraded, these submarines are nearing the end of their service lives.
Complementing them are four more modern German-built Type 209/1400mod submarines, delivered between 2016 and 2021. Also equipped with eight 533mm torpedo tubes, these vessels carry UGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles and SeaHake mod 4 (DM2A4) heavyweight torpedoes, significantly boosting the Egyptian Navy’s underwater combat capabilities and enhancing its maritime deterrence posture.
