Additional Coverage:
- These Chinese nuclear submarines show it’s serious about countering US dominance under the waves (newsbreak.com)
China’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet has undergone significant development, evolving from early-stage, trouble-ridden models to highly capable weapons like the Type 094 ballistic missile submarine. This transformation has been evident in the country’s consistent enhancements to their submarine capabilities, particularly in terms of stealth and tracking difficulty, underscoring the strategic importance China places on these assets in potential future conflicts.
Just before U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to China in April for high-level discussions, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy showcased a video of a nuclear submarine launching a ballistic missile.
This release coincided with the 75th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army Navy and featured other submarines from the Shandong’s carrier strike group. Not long after, a Chinese ballistic missile submarine was spotted near Taiwan’s Kinmen islands, revealing a significant show of naval force.
This display is part of China’s broader ambition to expand its nuclear submarine fleet, reflecting a strategic commitment to bolster underwater military capabilities. The country’s robust shipbuilding sector is rapidly producing nuclear submarines, with new designs steadily emerging.
China’s venture into nuclear submarine technology began in the mid-1950s, around the time the U.S. Navy launched the USS Nautilus.
Lacking support from the Soviet Union to acquire nuclear propulsion technology, China embarked on its development journey, initially focusing on creating a nuclear attack submarine classified as SSN. The first of these, the Type 091, was completed by 1974 after a delayed start due to the Cultural Revolution.
Known for being relatively noisy and outdated, the Type 091 submarines acted as stepping stones towards more sophisticated designs.
The succeeding Type 093, or Shang-class, marked a significant improvement. Starting in the late 1980s and with some assistance from Russia, this newer class incorporated advanced technologies and quieter operation features, making it far more competitive on the global stage.
China’s first venture into nuclear ballistic missile submarines, the SSBNs, started with the Type 092 class. However, this class was mainly experimental and suffered from numerous performance issues.
It was succeeded by the Type 094 or Jin-class, which offered advancements in propulsion, electronics, sensors, and noise reduction. Equipped with more effective missiles, the Type 094s constitute a credible part of China’s nuclear deterrent strategy.
Despite these advancements, China’s underwater assets, specifically the Type 094, are still noted to be louder than Western counterparts. Nonetheless, China continues to push forward, with plans for newer models such as the Type 096 and Type 095 expected to further enhance their submarine fleet’s capabilities.
In summary, China’s naval advancements highlight its intent to bolster its submarine forces as part of its larger military strategy, underscoring the potential role of these submarines in future geopolitical dynamics.