It is no secret that the "Warzone" column of the US "Drive" network speculated on November 3, 2021, that China is massively expanding its strategic nuclear arsenal so far. A new report released by the Pentagon highlights progress in a capability to develop and deploy long-range submarine-launched ballistic missiles that can be launched from the unassailable "bastion" sea zone closer to the mainland, or even from ports.
Recently, the Pentagon submitted an unclassified version of the latest Annual Report on China's Military and Security Development to the U.S. Congress. The more than 190-page report covers a wide variety of developments, including the first mention of China's development of the next generation of "tactical bombers" and the H-20 advanced strategic bomber.
【Chinese Navy Type 094 Strategic Nuclear Submarine】
Still, China's nuclear weapons program accounts for a sizable share. The new Annual Report on China's Military and Security Development includes some new details about the development of China's submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and its fleet of ballistic missile nuclear submarines (SSBN), as well as how the Pentagon expects China to deploy these capabilities in the future. At present, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (plan) has six Type 094 ballistic missile nuclear submarines, also known as "Jin" class nuclear submarines, each nuclear submarine carries up to 12 JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The new Type 096 ballistic missile nuclear submarine and the new JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile are under development. The Pentagon publicly assessed last year that the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy's current fleet of jumbo-2 ballistic missile nuclear submarines represents "China's first viable sea-based nuclear deterrent."
According to the Pentagon's latest Annual Report on China's Military and Security Development, "It is reported that the Type 096 ballistic missile nuclear submarine will be equipped with subsequent development submarine-launched ballistic missiles." Based on the more than 40-year service life of China's first-generation attack nuclear submarines (SSNs), China will operate both its Type 094 and Type 096 ballistic missile nuclear submarine (SSBN) fleets. ”
【Chinese Navy Type 096 Strategic Nuclear Submarine】
"If China attempts to target the east coast of the United States, the effective range limit of the JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missile would require the Type 094 ballistic missile submarine to operate only in the northern and eastern parts of Hawaii," the report also states. The exact maximum range of the JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missile is unknown, but it is publicly estimated to be 8,000 to 9,000 kilometers.
The Pentagon's latest report adds: "As China deploys newer, more capable and longer-range submarine-launched ballistic missiles, such as the JL-3, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy will have the capability to target the continental United States from coastal waters, so fortress operations could be considered to enhance the survivability of its sea-based deterrent." The South China Sea and Bohai Bay may be China's first choice for adopting the concept. ”
Even the fastest nuclear submarines can take days to cross the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, if the Type 094 or Type 096 nuclear submarine can be launched closer to the Chinese mainland, the time from decision to launch is greatly shortened. Similarly, being able to launch from a restricted area with limited enemy surveillance capabilities would further limit the enemy's available early warning options while providing additional protection for friendly strategic nuclear submarines.
【JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missile】
Deploying strategic nuclear submarines closer to the mainland could ease command and control requirements and streamline operational and logistical requirements for the Chinese navy.
Author: Ningpu
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