Name Type 094 (Jin class) Succeeded by Type 096 (Tang class) | Preceded by Type 092 (Xia class) In commission 2007–present | |
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Builders Bohai Shipyard, Huludao, China Operators People's Liberation Army Navy | ||
The Type 094 (Chinese: 094型核潜艇; Chinese designation: 09-IV; NATO reporting name: Jin class) is a class of ballistic missile submarine developed by China for the People's Liberation Army Navy Submarine Force. The Type 094 succeeds the Type 092 submarine.
Contents
Background
The Type 094 was first spotted in 2006 on commercial satellite imagery of the Xiaopingdao Submarine Base. It was noted as being longer than the Type 092. Two Type 094s were spotted at the Bohai Shipyard in May 2007, although it was not clear if these included the one spotted in 2006.
One was operational in 2010, three in 2013, and four in 2015. As many as eight may enter service by 2020.
The PRC is interested in augmenting its ICBM forces with SSBNs to enhance its comprehensive nuclear deterrent force. Nuclear deterrent patrols commenced in December 2015.
Description
The Type 094 is armed with 12 JL-2 SLBMs, each with an estimated range of 7,400 km (4,600 mi). According to Global Security, the missile reportedly can carry 3 to 4 (MIRV) nuclear warheads. The Type 094 and JL-2 will give China "its first credible sea-based nuclear strike capability."
globalsecurity.org notes that a Type 094 patrolling just northeast of the Kuril Islands would be able to strike three-quarters of the continental United States; launching from Chinese coastal waters would barely reach the Aleutian Islands. Thomas-noone and Medcalf note that the Type 094s noisiness would make it difficult for it to reach and maintain patrol areas where it could strike at the continental United States; no such limitations would exist against Indian targets.
Noise
In 2009, USN ONI listed the Type 094 as being slightly noisier than Project 667BDR (NATO reporting name Delta III) from the late-1970s, some of which were in service through 2015 with the Russian navy.
Type 094A
The Type 094A is a variant with a modified sail; the sail appears to incorporate features from one installed on a modified Type 093 (dubbed Type 093B by observers.)