China's 096 SSBN: A brief look

China is apparently about to deploy or has already deployed its first Type 096 SSBN (nuclear powered missile submarine) that would conduct its first oceanic patrol in 2014.

Main characteristics:

Type 096 SSBN

Speed: 32 knots

Length: 150 m

Displacement: 16,000 tons

Depth: 600 m

Noise level: 95-100 dB (Type 094 115 dB)

Missiles carried: 16 - 24 JL-3 SLBM.

JL-3 SLBM

Each JL-3 can carry 5-7 warheads. There are three versions with different ranges:

• First version has range of 12,000 km
• Second version has range of 14,000 km
• Third version has range of 20,000 km

It is said the most important component of China's defense is the nuclear deterrence, and nuclear powered submarines are very good platforms for launching nuclear missiles because they are very difficult to find. With a range of 12.000 km, JL-3 SLBMs can be fired from anywhere in the middle of the Pacific and still be able to reach any part of the US. 

China deploys new class of strategic missile submarines next year

 

“We are anticipating that combat patrols of submarines carrying the new JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missile will begin next year,” said one official familiar with recent intelligence assessments of the Chinese strategic submarine force.

 

 

The submarine patrols will include scores of new JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) on the Type 094s. The submarines are also called Jin-class missile boats by the Pentagon. The Washington Free Beacon first reported in August that China carried out a rare flight test that month of the JL-2, a missile analysts say will likely be equipped with multiple warheads.

 

 

Defense officials said the JL-2 poses a “potential first strike” nuclear missile threat to the United States and is one of four new types of long-range missiles in China’s growing strategic nuclear arsenal.The Air Force National Air and Space Intelligence Center earlier this month published a report on missile threats that identified the JL-2 a weapon that “will, for the first time, allow Chinese SSBNs to target portions of the United States from operating areas located near the Chinese coast.” SSBN is a military acronym for nuclear missile submarine. In addition to the three Type 094s currently deployed, China will add at least two more of the submarines before deploying a new generation missile submarine dubbed the Type 096, the report stated. It was the first time the Pentagon has revealed the existence of the follow-on strategic missile submarine.“The JIN-class and the JL-2 will give the PLA Navy its first credible sea-based nuclear deterrent,” the Pentagon report said.
Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jul/23/china-deploy-new-strategic-missile-class-submarine/#ixzz2ZsU9eX9E
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