The Yuan or Type 039A is the name of a class of Chinese diesel-electric submarine destroyers designed primarily to destroy enemy submarines (SSKs). The first unit of this type was commissioned in 2006. In total, up to 20 blocks of this type have been built or are planned for construction, of which 5 are probably operational and in the queue. The Yuan-type ship has a length of 77.6 m, a width of 8.4 m and a displacement of approximately 3,600 tons. Maximum underwater speed is probably around 20-22 knots. Ships of this type are equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes. The Yuan ships were designed and put into production to complement and eventually replace the Chinese Navy's Song (Type 039) class units and to replace the older 033 and 035 ships.the use of anechoic coating plates and the use of a highly advanced marine propeller. Based on Chinese sources, it can also be said that the units of this class have a hybrid air-independent (AIP) drive, but this is not entirely accurate. However, there is no doubt that Yuan-type units can use a relatively wide range of weapons to engage underwater and surface targets. They almost certainly also have modern electronic and hydroacoustic equipment. Ships of this type will be replaced in the Chinese fleet by type 039C.
