A Shadow in the Abyss: China's MHD Submarines and the Challenge to U.S. Naval Hegemony

For years, American naval hegemony has been undisputed. US Navy submarines, in particular, have dominated the oceans, acting as an invisible and powerful force. However, a shadow is looming over the Pacific. China, determined to challenge this supremacy, is reportedly working on a revolutionary new class of submarines with magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion.

Some sources indicate that Beijing may be ready to launch the first of this new generation, the Type 098 nuclear submarine, the PLAN's fourth generation of nuclear-powered submarines. If confirmed, this innovation, combined with massive military production, could dramatically alter the balance of naval power in the Indo-Pacific. China is pursuing a full-blown strategy of denial of US military power, and the introduction of such advanced submarines could completely rewrite the rules of undersea warfare, transforming noisy, old submarines into "ghosts of the deep" capable of evading detection and projecting unprecedented power.

The following information, gathered from OSINT/PAI sources at Extrema Ratio, outlines a detailed and unsettling picture of an innovation that could change the global strategic balance forever.

by Gabriele and Nicola Iuvinale

The Development of MHD Propulsion in China: From Tests to Potential Use

Submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile "Julang-2"

MHD propulsion, which uses electromagnetic force to move seawater without propellers, is not a new concept. Research in this field began in the 1970s in various countries, including the US, Russia, and Japan. In this regard, the Japanese experimental ship "Yamato 1," designed in 1992, reached a speed of 15 km/h in its initial tests, demonstrating the concept's feasibility.

China began investing in this technology in 1996 when the Chinese Academy of Sciences launched a research program.

This led to the development of the experimental ship "HEMS-1," which successfully completed sea trials in 1998, reaching a speed of 0.65 m/s. Although the initial results were not impressive in terms of speed, these tests proved the technological approach was valid, paving the way for a larger-scale application.

This revolutionary system offers three primary advantages:

• Advanced Stealth: The absence of propellers eliminates the main source of noise, making the submarine nearly impossible to detect with passive sonar. This ensures unprecedented stealth.

• Extremely High Speeds: Theoretical projections indicate that an MHD submarine could reach speeds of up to 150 knots, far exceeding the capabilities of current submarines and torpedoes.

  • Superior Maneuverability: Independent MHD thrusters would allow the submarine to perform rapid and precise maneuvers, such as changes in course and depth, with significantly greater flexibility than traditional submarines.

Powerplants used by Yamato-1

The enormous amount of electrical energy required for this system would be supplied directly by the submarine's nuclear propulsion, ensuring an unlimited range.

The "Type 098": A Potential Game-Changer

The alleged Type 098 nuclear submarine would not be limited to this revolutionary propulsion. Sources suggest it would also integrate other key technologies:

• Innovative Hull: Constructed with advanced materials such as high-strength plastic steel or titanium alloys, the hull would be capable of withstanding extreme pressure, allowing for deeper dives and making the submarine more difficult to detect.

• Diverse Armament: In addition to a wide range of torpedoes, the Type 098 would feature a vertical launch system (VLS) for anti-ship missiles like the Eagle Strike, transforming it into a versatile and lethal attack platform.

• Mass Production Capability: The construction of the world's largest submarine shipyard in Bohai indicates a potential Chinese strategy for large-scale production, aimed at building a fleet of new-generation submarines capable of altering the balance of power.

Chinese electromagnetic cannon. (Photo/reproduced from a Chinese website)

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite these potential advances, MHD technology still presents significant challenges. The noise generated by internal systems, the extremely high costs of production and maintenance, and an increased magnetic signature could limit its effectiveness. Current technology, as demonstrated by early tests, is still slow and expensive compared to traditional propulsion systems.

However, China's commitment to this sector is a clear signal of its ambition to project its maritime power. If China successfully overcomes these obstacles, MHD submarines could alter the entire structure of naval forces in the Indo-Pacific. With the latest technological developments and a huge military production capacity, China is implementing a true strategy of denying U.S. military power, seeking to nullify the Western technological advantage and assert its regional hegemony. The potential success of the MHD program would not only solidify Beijing's position as a top-tier naval power but would also mark the beginning of a new era in submarine warfare and a significant shift in the global strategic balance.