How China is tracking US Submarines
Audio Brief
Show transcript
This episode covers China's advanced underwater sensor network, operational since 2016, designed for anti-submarine warfare in the South China Sea.
There are three key takeaways from this discussion. First, China has deployed a sophisticated underwater surveillance system. Second, this network is strategically positioned to monitor naval activity, especially submarines, near critical chokepoints. Third, it utilizes cabled acoustic sensors, powered from shore and connected by optical fibers for rapid data analysis.
This "Underwater Great Wall" creates a surveillance barrier to detect and track vessels entering its maritime borders.
Its strategic placement focuses on key entry points into the South China Sea, effectively negating traditional submarine stealth advantages.
The system uses cabled acoustic sensors powered from shore, transmitting data via fiber optics for rapid analysis, significantly enhancing anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
This network fundamentally alters the dynamics of submarine operations in contested regions.
Episode Overview
- An overview of China's extensive underwater sensor network, which has been operational since 2016.
- The strategic placement of these sensors to monitor key entry points into the South China Sea and track US naval movements.
- A description of the technology behind the system, including how the sensors are powered and how they transmit data.
- The role of this network in anti-submarine warfare and its implications for submarine stealth operations.
Key Concepts
The video explains China's "Underwater Great Wall," a sophisticated acoustic sensor network designed for anti-submarine warfare. This system is strategically placed to detect and track submarines entering the South China Sea, effectively creating a surveillance barrier. It highlights how modern technology, including cabled power and fiber-optic data transmission, is being used to negate the stealth advantage of submarines in contested maritime regions.
Quotes
- At 00:31 - "to ensure its submarines cannot enter Chinese territory without being detected," - Explaining the primary defensive purpose of China's expanding underwater sensor network.
- At 01:02 - "Submarines rely on stealth, and once they are detected, they are in extreme danger." - Emphasizing the critical vulnerability of submarines once their location is compromised.
Takeaways
- China has developed a sophisticated underwater surveillance system to monitor its maritime borders.
- The network is strategically positioned to track naval activity, particularly submarines, near critical chokepoints.
- The system uses a network of cabled acoustic sensors that are powered from shore and connected by optical fibers for rapid data analysis.
- The primary advantage of a submarine is its stealth, which this type of advanced detection network is designed to defeat.
