World

New Chinese Submarine Armed With Missiles Capable of Covering Entire US, Reports Say

BEIJING (Sputnik) - China's newly commissioned nuclear-powered submarine, dubbed the Type 094A, is equipped with ballistic missiles capable of hitting targets at a distance of 10,000 kilometres (6,200 miles) — the most powerful in the country, the South China Morning Post reported, citing a military source.
Sputnik

"The Type 094A is an upgraded version of the Type 094 that overcame one of the key problems – noise – by improving hydrokinetic and turbulent systems, allowing it to carry the more powerful JL-3", the source was quoted as saying on Sunday.

Before the upgrade, the submarine was capable of firing the inferior JL-2 that could only hit the northeast United States, the source said, noting that currently, it is able to cover the whole American continent.

New Chinese Submarine Armed With Missiles Capable of Covering Entire US, Reports Say

The newspaper also reported, citing a military expert, that the new weapon would boost China's ability to retaliate after a nuclear strike.

The new nuclear submarine, showcased last week as part of the celebration to mark the 72nd anniversary of the Chinese navy, is armed with the JL-3, or Julang, submarine-launched ballistic missile, the newspaper said.

The Asian country currently has six Type 094 and Type 094A submarines, with each able to carry 16 JL-3 missiles.

Discuss