[2][3] Recent analysis deduced that China is on track to complete the first Type 096 and make it operational before the end of the decade.

[4] The Type 096 will be compared to the most modern Chinese submarines in terms of stealth, sensors and weapons.

The capabilities of the Type 096 is speculated to be a significant jump to its predecessors, which would flip the balance in the Indo-Pacific.

[4] In November 2023, satellite imagery on the Huludao shipyard showed pressure hull sections for a large submarine being worked up, which was then stated to likely be the Type 096 in early construction.

[4] The vessel is also speculated to be significantly larger than the old Type 094 and follows a design similar to that of Russia's; allowing it to contain an internal raft mounted on complex rubber supports that helps dampen the noise of the submarine's engines.