On Wednesday, January 14, Chinese state media revealed the technical specifications of promising strategic nuclear submarines of the Type-096 (Tan) class. According to Navy Recognition, if these data are correct, they indicate a significant strengthening of China's nuclear potential, which will reduce long-standing gaps in capabilities compared to the United States and Russia.
Although Beijing has not officially confirmed the announced technical specifications, the released data indicate that this is a significantly larger, quieter and heavily armed submarine than the Type-094 (Jin) submarines currently in use by the People's Liberation Army Navy.
Possible appearance of the Chinese strategic submarine class "Type-096"
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The Chinese press indicates the underwater displacement of the Tang-class submarines in the range of 15,000 to 20,000 tons, which puts submarines of this type on a par with the American strategic submarines of the Ohio class and the future Columbia class.
"The increase in size compared to the Type-094 submarine speaks not only about the potential increase in capacity and ammunition," Navy Recognition notes. – The design of Chinese nuclear submarines has long been limited by reactor efficiency and internal volume, which has hindered the introduction of advanced noise reduction technologies. Tan-class submarines appear to overcome these limitations by allowing for improved hull insulation and propulsion architecture optimized for long-term low-noise patrols."
Chinese sources claim that the new Chinese submarines are characterized by a noise level of 95 to 100 dB, which is significantly lower compared to earlier nuclear submarines of the PLA Navy, which were considered vulnerable to detection by US and allied forces. This improvement is consistent with the use of horizontal insulation panels and water jet propulsion, technologies that were difficult for China to effectively implement in previous classes. There is a theory among Western naval analysts that Russian technical expertise, especially in reducing engine noise and vibration control, could contribute to China's progress.
The capabilities of the sensor systems of the Type-096 submarines represent another significant step forward. According to published data, the sonar detection range is approaching 300 miles.
As for armament, Tan-class submarines carry from 16 to 24 JL-3 intercontinental ballistic missiles (Type–094 nuclear submarines carry 12 ballistic missiles). The range of each JL-3 ICBM is estimated at about 14,000 km, with 6-10 independently guided warheads.
"This combination allows one submarine to deliver nuclear ammunition comparable to several land–based missile systems, while remaining hidden under the surface of the ocean," Navy Recognition emphasizes.
The JL-3's range allows strikes against the continental United States from patrol areas in the South China Sea or Bohai Bay, reducing the need for transit through carefully controlled bottlenecks during a crisis.
The construction of the Type-096 nuclear submarines started in the early 2020s. Beijing has not disclosed information about the progress of this program. China Central Television reported that in early January 2026, a Tang-class submarine took part in exercises of the Chinese Navy.
