Submarines of The People's Liberation Army Navy - Nuclear-powered Ballistic Missile Submarines

Nuclear-powered Ballistic Missile Submarines

China engaged in the development of submarine-launched ballistic missiles since the 1950s, with the acquisition of a single Soviet Golf class conventionally powered ballistic missile submarine. The original Golf class design has three launch tubes. Using this single hull, the PLAN acquired experience and tests from this platform. The Golf played a major role in China's JL-1 SLBM development project. The first successful launch of the JL-1 SLBM took place in 1982 from a submerged pontoon, and the first successful launch from a submerged submarine was in 1984 from the Golf test submarine. It is believed the single hull is still serving as a test platform for different missile technologies, as well as a test launcher of the JL-2 missile.

• Tang class (Type 096) - Rumored to be in development for the PLAN.
• Jin class (Type 094) - 3 in active service, 2 more under construction.
• Xia class (Type 092) - 1 in active service.

China's first SSBN, the Xia 092 class hull 406, was laid down in 1978, launched in 1981 and commissioned by 1983. Its primary weapon is the JL-1 SLBM, with 12 launch tubes, as well as six 533 mm tubes for self-defense. The JL-1 missile was not ready until the first successful test launch of the missile from the Xia in 1988. Previous launch attempts from 1985 had failed. The missile's short range only permits the 092 to launch its missiles against regional targets. Striking targets far away require the submarine to travel dangerously closer to enemy waters. The Xia has since undergone a major modernisation refit, with a new black-coated paint and possibly other improvements with unofficial reports indicating the Xia is now carrying an improved missile, the JL-1A that is alleged to have longer range. The PLAN currently has plans to acquire a new class of SSBN, with a projected number between three to six vessels. The 094 is believed to have been influenced by Russian assistance. It features 12 launch tubes for the longer ranged JL-2 missile (contrary to the previously speculated 16), which has an 8000 km range that can carry 3 to 4 MIRVs. The 094 would be permitted to patrol nearer Chinese waters, with the ability to launch its missiles against continental US targets.

Recent photos released in the internet by unofficial sources (including alleged satellite images by Google Earth) show at least one operational 094 followed by one or two other hulls being fitted in Huludao submarine facilities. In December 2007 the first Type 094 submarine was moved to Sanya. The 094 bears a strong resemblance to the Xia, though being much larger in all aspects and thought to be far more capable.