China has been making significant advancements in its military technology, particularly in submarine development. Over the past decade, the country has worked tirelessly to strengthen its naval forces, ensuring a powerful presence in the South China Sea. Among its most notable achievements is the Type 094 submarine, a nuclear-powered vessel designed to carry ballistic missiles.
This stealthy giant plays a crucial role in China’s defense strategy, acting as a strong nuclear deterrent against potential threats. However, despite its strengths, the Type 094 is not without challenges. As China prepares for the next generation of submarines, global powers, including the United States and its allies, are closely monitoring these developments.
China’s First Credible Nuclear Deterrent
The Type 094, also known as the Jin-class submarine, is considered China’s first reliable sea-based nuclear deterrent. It is capable of carrying JL-2 nuclear missiles, which have a range of 7,200 kilometers. This means that China can potentially target US territories such as Guam, Hawaii, and even Alaska from its own waters.
Currently, China operates six Type 094 submarines, and reports suggest that they regularly patrol the South China Sea. The US Department of Defense has described these patrols as “near-continuous,” raising concerns among Western military analysts.
One of the most eye-catching moments involving the Type 094 occurred in June 2023, when the submarine unexpectedly surfaced in the Taiwan Strait. This rare event highlighted China’s growing naval capabilities and signaled its strategic presence in contested waters.
Challenges: Noise and Detection Risks
While the Type 094 is a powerful asset, it has one significant flaw—it is noisy. Compared to advanced American and Russian submarines, the Type 094 emits a much higher level of sound, making it easier for enemy forces to detect and track.
Because of this, military experts believe China will stop producing the Type 094 after completing its current fleet of six submarines. Instead, efforts are now being focused on developing a new generation of quieter and more advanced submarines, known as the Type 096.
Advancing to the Next Generation: Type 096 Submarines
China is currently working on the Type 096 submarines, which are expected to be far superior to the Type 094. Reports suggest that Russia may be assisting China with technology to make the new submarines much quieter.
Additionally, the Type 096 will likely carry JL-3 nuclear missiles, which have a much longer range—over 10,000 kilometers. This would allow China to strike the continental United States directly from its own coastal waters, a capability it has never had before.
Western analysts believe that China could begin deploying the Type 096 submarines by the early 2030s, significantly strengthening its naval and nuclear capabilities.
Historical Development of China’s Nuclear Submarines
China’s journey in nuclear submarine development began in 1959 when Chairman Mao Zedong famously declared that “Nuclear submarines must be developed, even if it takes ten thousand years!”
China launched its first nuclear-powered submarine, the Type 091, in 1970. Later, in 1981, China introduced its first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, the Type 092, though it was heavily criticized for being slow and loud.
The breakthrough came in the early 2000s, with the development of the Type 094, which was a significant improvement over its predecessor. Despite its noise issues, the Type 094 established China’s first credible second-strike nuclear capability, meaning that if China were attacked, it could retaliate with nuclear force from underwater.
Regular Patrols and Global Impact
China has increased submarine patrols in recent years, particularly in the South China Sea. Satellite images have captured Type 094 submarines stationed at key naval bases, and reports suggest that these patrols have put pressure on US military resources.
The US and its allies are now intensifying anti-submarine warfare operations to track China’s submarines. As China continues to expand its nuclear and naval power, regional tensions could rise, particularly with countries like Japan, the Philippines, and the United States.
What’s Next for China’s Submarine Fleet?
China is rapidly modernising its submarine forces to match global naval superpowers like the United States and Russia. The Pentagon estimates that China’s naval forces now operates over 60 submarines, including six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), six nuclear attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered submarines.
However, experts believe that China is not aiming for quantity but quality. With the Type 096 submarines expected to enter service in the next decade, China could soon achieve true stealth capability in its nuclear submarine fleet.
For now, the Type 094 remains the “King of the South China Sea”, but its reign may soon be challenged by its quieter and deadlier successor. The world is watching closely as China continues to expand its military and naval dominance beneath the waves.