Defense News has released satellite imagery showing a new Chinese submarine from a shipyard in Huludao in Liaoning Province. The photo was taken on May 3.

Geospace exploration company AllSource Analysis said the object in the picture could be a new-class submarine built by China. On the trunk behind the combat cabin are two distinct green spots with a cross-shaped steering wheel and possibly a cased engine setup.

A naval expert told Defense News he was confident the submarine had a set of vertical missile launch centers. In his opinion, the existence of submarines capable of launching cruise missiles corresponds to China’s desire to acquire long-range attack capabilities.