The Type 031is similar (but not identical) to the Soviet Golf-I class. Built at Dalian shipyard, it is the only ballistic missile submarine tohave license-built outside it's home country. The boat was launchedinto service in September 1964, according to Chinese sources.

Chinese-built to Russian plans, this submarinewas originally fitted for three Russian SLBMs. Because the first-generationChinese SLBMs (JL-1) were larger in diameter than the Soviet missiles, it onlyhas two launch silos in the sail.