At the celebration of the 72nd anniversary of the PLA Navy, a modernized type 094A nuclear submarine was presented. It is equipped with JL-3 ballistic missiles capable of hitting the entire territory of the United States, writes the South China Morning Post, citing sources in the military industry.
The main difference between the upgraded submarine and its predecessors is that the designers managed to solve one of its key problems - by improving the hydrodynamics and the ship's motion system, the noise level of the Type 094 is significantly reduced. In addition, the updated submarine is armed with more powerful JL-3 ballistic missiles (Julang, tsunami) with a range of more than 10 thousand kilometers.
- Before the modernization, the submarine carried JL-2 ICBMs, capable of reaching only the north-east of the United States. With more powerful missiles, the area of destruction has expanded to the entire territory of the United States, " the source said.
The reduction in noise will allow Chinese submarines to pass unnoticed by US military bases in the Pacific Ocean (Island Chain) and reach the launch distance.
- New submarines with long-range ballistic missiles are a reliable means of strategic deterrence. China promises not to use nuclear weapons first, but a powerful fleet of submarines provides the possibility of a retaliatory strike, - said the former designer of the submarine Sun Zhongping.
The ballistic missiles deployed on Chinese submarines can carry either a one-megaton monoblock thermonuclear warhead, or eight individually guided warheads. The number of missiles on the upgraded Type 094A submarine has been increased from 16 to 24.
- In order to place the JL-3 on board the submarine, the design of the rocket was modified. Its firepower and range is a significant breakthrough, " said Macao-based military expert Anthony Wong.
The PLA Navy has six type 094 and 094A strategic missile submarines and plans to build two more to replace the obsolete type 092 submarines.
Anton Valagin
