According to a report published by the US DoD on November 29, 2022, the Chinese PLA Navy is conducting continuous at-sea deterrence patrols with its six Type 094 submarines (SSBNs).
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Chinese Type 094 submarine. (Picture source: Vietnamese fishermen)
The Type 094 (Jin-class) is a class of ballistic missile submarines developed by China for the People's Liberation Army Navy Submarine Force. Type 094 succeeds the Type 092 submarine.
The Type 094 measures 137 meters (449 feet 6 inches) in length and has a beam of 11.8 meters (38 feet 9 inches). It has a submerged displacement of 11,000 tons and is powered by a nuclear reactor that drives a single shaft. The submarine has an unlimited range and can remain at sea for extended periods of time.
Type 094 is armed with 12 JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), which are capable of delivering a single nuclear warhead to a range of 7,200 kilometers (4,500 miles).
However, by late 2022, Type 094 had been rearmed with JL-3 SLBMs that have a range of over 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles), allowing them to target the continental United States from the South China Sea.
The Type 094 is crewed by 140 sailors and has a complement of torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. The submarine is also equipped with advanced sensors and communications equipment.
