For the first time in history, China sent a Type 094 nuclear submarine equipped with nuclear ballistic missiles on combat patrol. Such a step is seen as a reaction to the growing activity of American submarines near the borders of Russia, informs Military Watch Magazine.
During the broadcast, a statement was made by one of the crew members who said that he would “without hesitation” launch nuclear missiles from the submarine if given the appropriate order. It is known that the submarine went on patrol from the Longpo naval base, which is located on Hainan Island. This is a fortified underground facility where the bulk of China’s strategic submarine fleet is based.
“New brigades of fifth-generation J-20 fighter jets and J-16 heavy-duty fighters were recently deployed near the site, presumably to bolster its defenses. This footage is the first known instance of Chinese state media publicly acknowledging the active deployment of this class of submarines. Although China has become a world leader in many areas of military power, its fleet of modern ballistic missile submarines remains small at an estimated four ships. However, the Type 094 class has provided a significant leap in capability that has significantly narrowed the technology gap with the US and Russian fleets.”, the message says.
Submarines of the Type 094 class are capable of speeds up to 30 knots submerged and have a working depth of 400 meters. This is significantly higher than previous estimates of 20 knots and 300 meters, respectively. In addition, the firepower of these ships has been increased by the introduction of JL-3 ballistic missiles, each boat can carry up to twelve such missiles, although the extent of their deployment in the fleet remains unknown.
Over the next decade, China is expected to significantly increase the number of ballistic missile submarines, expanding its nuclear arsenal in response to rising tensions with Western powers. Also in the future, it is planned to put into operation the next generation of submarines – the Type 096 class boat, which, according to expectations, will give Beijing an advantage over the nuclear submarine fleets of other leading countries.
