China is continually modernizing and acquiring new submarines. China is expected have 76 subs by 2030. By contrast, Taiwan only has four. Two are ex-U.S. Navy fleet-vintage submarines from World War II. They are the oldest active submarines.
China's first sea-based credible nuclear deterrent appears in its final stages. The jin-class, or type 094, submarine and its intended armament are the JL-2 submarine -launched missile (SLBM), appear to be in place. As the vessel began carrying out nuclear deterrence patrols earlier in the year, Chinese state media reported that it was showing "growing might".
Although the jinclass has been around for decades, the PLAN is only now allowing it to enter full service. U.S. intelligence suggests that at least five hulls could be built by 2010. Naval Intelligence may not be accurate.
Six jin-class SSBNs currently serve the PLA Navy. There may be eight to nine more. These SSBNs offer a range of more than 2,000 miles and can carry nuclear JL-2/JL-3 sub-launched ballistic Missiles. They are the preferred SLBM weapon for China's navy.
The jin-class is an important part of China's ongoing nuclear modernization and it will play an increasingly critical role in its long-term plans for a larger SLBM force, including a potential shift to a third generation SSBN.
China has several other types of submarines in its fleet, in addition the jinclass. In recent times, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and the Philippines have all purchased several of these boats.
These vessels can carry anti-ship cruise missiles as well as torpedoes and bombs. The jin class is a particularly interesting ship as it can carry both short and long-range nukes.
Its hull is designed for these weapons. It is also quiet and highly sophisticated making it an ideal platform, allowing it to conduct nuclear strikes against targets further away from shore. In fact, the jin-class is quieter than Russia's Typhoon-class SSBN.
Despite being relatively quiet, the jinclass is still a very powerful weapon and one the most advanced SSBNs worldwide. It can reach the United States in under three hours. With a range of more than 2,000 miles, it can attack almost all of the United States.
However, the slow boat of the jin is likely to have problems avoiding American submarine attacks. Consequently, China's military is likely to continue to modernize its submarine fleet in order to maintain its ability to project power and defend against American attack.
The jin-class can carry missiles up to twice the size of the largest US Navy vessels. It has an extended conning tower, as well as a retractable towed sonar that makes it easier to spot American attack submarines.
The jin-class is a substantial upgrade on its predecessors the xia class, but it still lags behind Russia’s newest, more advanced missile submarine the typhoon. Despite the jin-class's increased capacity, it is unlikely to be as reliable or as capable as the typhoon-class, and may never be able to deliver nuclear weapons effectively. China's submarine fleet remains a key pillar of its military strength and will continue to be so in the future.