Faster and Deeper Than Previously Known: New Details Revealed on China’s Type 094 Strategic Nuclear Submarine

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy has revealed new details regarding the capabilities of its most heavily armed class of warship, the Type 094 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, with previously unknown information on the ships having been reported by the Hong Kong based South China Morning Post on May 2. Technical details were disclosed during a navy open day on April 23, with the Type 094 confirmed to have a maximum submerged speed of 30 knots and an operational depth of 400 meters – significantly exceeding the estimated 20 knot speed and 300 meter maximum depth. It remains uncertain whether theType 094 has always had such capabilities, or whether newer production models have gained these capabilities through enhancements to hull integrity, propulsion, and other onboard systems. Enhanced variants of the Type 094 were previously known to benefit from upgraded radars and sonars and integration of new torpedoes, although their higher operational speeds and depths were previously unknown. The ability to operate at higher speeds and greater depths significantly improves the Type 094’s survivability, although with the recent integration of JL-3 ballistic missiles the ships no longer have a significant need to rapidly redeploy to within firing range in order to engage their targets.

Type 094 Class submarines currently form the backbone of the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s strategic nuclear deterrent, with six or seven of the 11,000 ton ships currently in service each carrying 12 intercontinental range ballistic missiles. The new JL-3 intercontinental range ballistic missile intended to equip the ships saw multiple underwater test launches beginning in the late 2010s, and have estimated engagement ranges of up to 14 kilometres. Investment in the Type 094 fleet has continued at a time of broader investment in the nuclear triad, with the ground based intercontinental range ballistic missile arsenal having continued to be expanded rapidly, while the People’s Liberation Army Air Force has made progress towards commissioning its first class of intercontinental range strategic bomber the H-20, which will benefit from advanced stealth capabilities. The bulk of the Type 094 submarine fleet is thought to be based at Yulin Naval Base on Hainan Island in southern China, although expansion of the ballistic missile submarine fleet has fuelled speculation that other large scale facilities could be planned. Air defences surrounding the facility have been improved considerably in recent years, including with the deployment of J-20 fifth generation air superiority fighters in 2023 at nearby Nanning Air Base.