Introduction
Recently, China has unveiled a new submarine known as the Type 094 “Jin” class submarine, which is nuclear-powered and equipped with nuclear weapons. This submarine is China’s first nuclear weapon at sea, and is clearly an impressive engineering feat for the country. However, reports show that there is loud noise produced by the submarine, and despite its capabilities to launch long-range nuclear missiles, engineering experts have not been impressed. This leads to the question: Is this submarine a real hazard, or is it nothing but a paper tiger?
The Type 094 submarine
The Type 094 “Jin” type submarine is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine that is at the forefront of China’s nuclear deterrent force. As of right now, there are six operational “Jin” type submarines, and two are under construction. The first of these submarines was released in 2001, known as the Changzheng 10 (along with another following submarine of the same type, Changzheng 11). This design then went through many refinements and advancements, and the Type 094A submarine was created. This modified submarine was released in 2018. Since then, more have been sent into the sea. Experts believe that there have been two more submarines since this commission, and Military Today believes that an additional two have been released.
This submarine’s design is based on the previous Type 93 submarine, and also the Type 92 submarine, which has now been replaced by the Type 94. This submarine carries one submarine-launched ballistic missile, but also a 4,500-mile range Julang-2 missile and a new 6,200-mile range Julang-3 missile. These new long-range J-3 missiles pose a possible threat to the US, as the missiles can theoretically hit Guam, Hawaii, and Alaska. A single Type 94 submarine reportedly carries 12 nuclear warheads.
Problems
Despite many advancements, the Type 94 still faces similar problems that were faced by its predecessors. The most prominent of these problems is that it reportedly produces a very loud noise. The noise is said to be around 120 decibels, which is about as loud as the 1970 Los Angeles-class US submarine, the Soviet Era Delta III submarine, or a single clap of thunder. This noise would make this submarine extremely easy to find and detect, raising the possibility of interception by a thousandfold. Likely, if there is a Type 94 attack, it would be quickly intercepted by the US Navy.
Another problem is that the Chinese military is reluctant to deploy its nuclear missiles when it is at peace, and doesn’t keep the missiles loaded. This makes rapid response in war situations (mobilization) extremely slow compared to the ready US and Russian submarines. So, while the US currently has patrol submarines in all corners of the world, China’s reluctance makes this new force much weaker than it could be.
A Concerning Future
Unfortunately, much of this may change with the new Type 96 submarine, set to be released in the late 2020s and early 2030s. Through the use of new technology, such as quiet propellers and pump-jet propellers, this submarine has the possibility to become one of the stealthiest submarines around.
RELATED STORIES
https://interestingengineering.com/front-lines/type-094-chinas-nuclear-submarine
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/chinas-underwater-nukes-country-killers-or-paper-tigers-27026
https://inkstickmedia.com/paper-tigers-the-case-against-chinas-nuclear-weapons/
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