Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Secretive China enhances its SSBN fleet and weaponry

22nd November 2022 - 03:09 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Christchurch

RSS

These are improved Type 094A SSBN of the PLA Navy. (Photo: PLA Daily)

There is growing evidence that production of new nuclear-powered submarines is proceeding in China, as well as a startling declaration that new submarine-launched nuclear-tipped missiles are already in service.

Recent revelations show that the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has been prioritising the modernisation of its submarine fleet, especially a recent statement from the US military that China has operationalised the JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM).

Adm Sam Paparo, head of the US Pacific Fleet, told reporters at a conference in Washington DC last week that the PLAN’s six Jin-class (Type 094) submarines are now ‘equipped with JL-3 intercontinental ballistic missiles’.

This bombshell was reported by news outlets such as Bloomberg, and it is the first official confirmation from the US that the capable JL-3

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Author

Gordon Arthur

Gordon Arthur was the Asia Pacific editor for Shephard Media. Born in Scotland and educated …

Read full bio

More from Naval Warfare

Taiwan entrusts USVs with task of deterring a PLA amphibious invasion

Drawing lessons from Ukraine’s Black Sea experience, Taiwan is investing heavily in unmanned surface vessels to strengthen its asymmetric defence strategy against potential PLA amphibious assaults.
US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities

The USCG has been increasing efforts to accelerate the process to develop, procure, deploy and sustain autonomous and counter-uncrewed systems across its fleet.
Managing risk in a changing world: how the Royal Navy can win

A fighting force such as the Royal Navy must inevitably focus on its core capabilities, platforms and readiness. But to avoid unexpected outcomes and costly oversights, a complex organisation like this needs to be underpinned by sound enterprise-level risk management principles and systems.
Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)

In an era of swarming drones, proliferating missiles and saturation attacks, naval air defence must combine cutting-edge effectiveness with low cost per intercept. Israel’s Rafael is applying its long expertise to help navies adapt to emerging threats, while looking to a future of laser technology – and beyond.
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme

The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist

Austal signs long-delayed Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, but schedule risks and programme delays still loom over Canberra’s naval plans.