Chuŏ-class submarine
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The Chuŏ-class is the latest type of diesel-electric attack submarine developed in Menghe. The first three boats in the class were commissioned in 2020, and a minimum production run of 12 is reportedly planned, with additional orders under negotiation. The Chuŏ design makes use of an integral AIP plant to extend underwater endurance, and uses non-magnetic alloys to reduce its detectability by MAD equipment. The current, baseline model is a dedicated attack submarine specialized in hunting for other submarines, but a guided missile variant akin to the Chŏngsangŏri class is known to be in development.
Development
Design
Role
While previous Menghean diesel-electric submarines have been predominantly oriented around the anti-shipping role, the Chuŏ-class places a heavier emphasis on anti-submarine combat. It incorporates more advanced quieting measures, has a more sensitive sonar suite, and carries non-acoustic detection equipment designed to detect another submarine's wake. This suggests a possible bifurcation of roles paralleling that between the Daedam-class submarines and Sinyi-class submarines, with the Chuŏ-class hunting for enemy submarines in the Strait of Portcullia to clear the way for surface-attack submarines and surface ships.