Days ago, a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine belonging to the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China was spotted in the morning hours while transiting west of the Taiwan Strait. According to images circulating through Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), it is believed to be one of the Type 094 (SSBN) units, also known as the Jin-class submarines, which are part of China’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
This event is notable because submarines of the Chinese Navy, especially of this class, are rarely seen on the surface and in proximity to Taiwan, with the last recorded instance being in 2019. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense indicated that local forces were aware of the presence of the ballistic missile submarine, but there has been no statement from the Chinese government as yet.
According to various analysts, the submarine was likely heading north from the South China Sea to undergo its annual repairs and scheduled maintenance at the Huludao Shipyard in Bohai Sea in Liaoning Province, where it was built. However, some believe its presence is also related to the upcoming military exercises that the Taiwan Armed Forces will conduct from July 22 to 26.
The Type 094 (Jin-class) submarines are developed by China for the PLA Navy’s submarine force. They succeed the Type 092 submarine and precede the Type 096. These submarines are approximately 137 meters long and are equipped with 12 missile tubes, each capable of launching the JL-2 SLBM (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile), which can carry up to three nuclear warheads to a target up to 7,200 kilometers away.
In November 2022, it was acknowledged from the United States that Type 094 submarines were equipped with the newer JL-3 missiles, which have a longer range capability, enabling China’s Navy to target areas up to 10,000 kilometers away. Publicly available research indicates that Chinese ballistic missile submarines operate from Yulin Naval Base in the South China Sea and Jianggezhuang Naval Base in the Yellow Sea, northern section of the East China Sea.
China operates a fleet of six Type 094 / Jin-class ballistic missile submarines, two of which are of the modified 094A version. Each of these submarines can carry twelve JL-2 SLBM (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile) missiles, which undoubtedly poses a significant threat to U.S. interests in the Pacific region as well as globally. The Chinese Navy is reportedly progressing with a new design of ballistic missile submarines with the Type 096, although details regarding its progress and capabilities are currently unknown.
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