06 Mar 2007
Ensign of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)Washington Times:
China’s military is engaged in a major buildup of submarines that includes five new strategic nuclear-missile boats and several advanced nuclear-powered attack submarines, according to the Office of Naval Intelligence.
The new nuclear-powered missile submarines (SSBNs), identified as Type 094s, will be outfitted with new 5,000-mile range JL-2 missiles that “will provide China with a modern and robust sea-based nuclear deterrent force,” the ONI stated in report made up of written answers to questions on the Chinese submarine buildup.
5,000 mile range is a lot of ocean to cover with a shrinking surface Navy, reduced number of attack subs, and no S-3 Vikings.
