Ming class submarine at sea

The People's Republic of China has built 84 slightly modified copies of the Romeo class design, with a noise reduction level of more than 20 dB. Most of these vessels were intended for use in the People's Liberation Army Navy. These boats still exist, although a large proportion is suspected to be out of service. These boats include at least two types: Type 033 and Type 033G, with G stands for Gai, meaning modified in Chinese. Type 033G has the improved version of weapon control systems so that it can launch ASW torpedoes, as well as indigenously torpedoes with western origin, and this capability is added to Type 033 during overhaul/refit. However, despite such attempts, by modern standard, these submarines have very little ASW capability. The most obvious external difference between the two is that at the forward base of the conning tower, there is an intrusion for Type 033 class, while there is none for Type 033G.

China has also built about 20 submarines of the Ming class, which is very similar to the Romeo class design it is based on, further reducing the noise for a dozen dB's. Again, the class includes at least two types: Type 035 and Type 035G, with the latter with added capability of launching anti-shipping missile from torpedo tubes, and this capability is added to the former during overhaul/refit. The most obvious external difference is again at the forward base of the conning tower: Type 035G has a protrusion at the forward base of the conning tower, forming a small step, while there is none for Type 035. Another version Type 035A (035Jia) is also reported, and this version is externally identical to Type 035G. Additionally, the PLAN operates a modified Romeo class submarine that is used for guided missile trials, and this sub must surface to fire missiles.