China has revealed for the first time the deployment of third-generation nuclear submarine tests in the Pacific, announcing its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) missions to the world.
In a statement issued Saturday by the state news agency, Xinhua said, “The Changzheng series of nuclear submarines have now reached the third generation and successfully organized the test launch of a submarine-launched strategic missile.”
Stepping up its naval defense, the People’s Liberation Army of China for the first time conducted these ICBMs using the third generation of submarines.
ICBM tests in July
Prior to Saturday’s announcement, Beijing demonstrated its sea-based nuclear capabilities in July this year, which drew sharp criticism from regional countries, including its neighbors, Japan and Australia.
The latest statement was posted with pictures of the previous missile tests conducted in July, as reported in the Japan Times. Much like those tests, the latest mission is also notable because it used a nuclear-powered submarine, which can remain underwater for months without refueling. Unlike regular submarines, these use nuclear reactors, allowing them to travel farther and patrol for longer.
Hidden underwater ballistic missile submarines are mainly designed for strategic nuclear deterrence. They are hard to detect and can be ready to respond if needed. No official confirmation regarding the type of subs and ballistic missile submarine deployment has been made by China so far.
After the July trials, Chinese state media did not identify the submarine involved. Defense analysts believe a Type 094 ballistic missile submarine may have carried out the launch.
China is believed to operate at least six of these boats, which can carry JL-2 missiles and potentially the newer JL-3 missile, a weapon with enough range to strike parts of the United States from waters near China. Beijing has also begun introducing the more advanced Type 095 submarine while continuing development of the next-generation Type 096.
According to China’s state news agency Xinhua in July, the missile was launched at 12:01 p.m. local time during a routine military exercise. The report stated the test was not aimed at any country or specific target, and that relevant governments were informed ahead of time.
China’s second vessel handling UUVs
Meanwhile, China has expanded its nuclear submarine launch capacity by building a second vessel to support the handling of uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs).
The new ship shares several design features with its counterpart, including a flight deck, a hangar behind the forward superstructure, and structures for handling underwater vehicles. It was constructed at Guangzhou Shipyard International and appears smaller than a similar vessel identified earlier in Shanghai. The vessel was spotted by satellite imagery earlier this month on October 2, as it emerged from a covered graving yard at the shipyard.
Large uncrewed underwater vehicles can perform tasks such as seabed mapping, mine detection, and surveillance. They may also support operations involving submarines and surface ships. Some UUV designs can accommodate other payloads, including weapons, although no specific payload has been confirmed for these vessels.