A Rare Glimpse into China’s Nuclear Fleet

China Central Television broadcast footage on July 31, 2025, of a nuclear-armed submarine departing a naval base. The report did not confirm the exact model, but experts say it was almost certainly a Type 094 submarine, one of six currently in China’s fleet. These boats are based at Longpo Naval Base on Hainan Island and carry JL-2 or JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). The JL-2 can strike targets up to 4,488 miles away, while the JL-3 stretches that range to 6,214 miles, capable of reaching the U.S. mainland from China’s own coastal waters.

The broadcast included a bold statement from sailor Ma Xiaohui, who said, “Today is a peaceful era, but tomorrow may mark the start of war. On the day real war begins, we will wait only for the order—and then launch this missile without hesitation.” This quote gives a rare look into the mindset of China’s nuclear forces and how ready they are to act on command.

The Role of the Type 094 in China’s Strategy

The Type 094 submarine is China’s first real sea-based nuclear deterrent. It plays a vital role in the country’s nuclear triad, which includes land-based missiles and nuclear-capable bombers. Unlike missile silos or aircraft, submarines can stay hidden underwater, making them the most survivable leg of a nuclear force. As the Pentagon noted in its military power report, these subs provide “a constant at-sea deterrent presence.”

Still, the Type 094 has limitations. It is considered noisier than American or Russian submarines, making it easier to detect. That is why China’s next-generation sub, the Type 096, is drawing even more attention.

The Type 096: China’s Upcoming Nuclear Powerhouse

The Type 096 is expected to dramatically improve China’s undersea nuclear strike capability. According to naval analyst Emma Salisbury, this new class of submarines “will be more numerous, more stealthy, and may range over a wider area,” which will force the U.S. to reconsider how it deploys its own submarines and anti-submarine forces.

The new sub will carry the advanced JL-3 missiles, which offer greater range and payload than their predecessors. With this extended reach, Type 096 submarines can remain deeper in the Pacific Ocean while still being able to strike U.S. targets. These upgrades increase China’s chances of surviving a first strike and retaliating with overwhelming force.

Some reports suggest that Russia may be helping China develop the Type 096, especially its propulsion systems. The Eurasian Times stated that the new submarine includes a “specialized ‘raft’ design, which utilizes a rubber support system to reduce engine noise.” This design, similar to those found in Russian submarines, would make the Type 096 much harder to detect.

The submarine is said to be 492 feet long and capable of speeds up to 29 knots. Once fully deployed, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) hopes to have between eight and ten of these boats, adding substantial weight to China’s nuclear forces.

How It Compares to U.S. and Russian Submarines

Right now, the United States has 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. Each can carry up to 20 Trident II D5LE missiles, which have a range of around 7,456 miles. These subs have long been considered the most powerful and silent in the world. But the Type 096, especially with JL-3 missiles and stealth upgrades, begins to close that gap.

The Federation of American Scientists notes that U.S. missile subs are extremely hard to detect and often patrol alone. In contrast, Chinese submarines are usually escorted by surface ships and aircraft. “China’s [nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines] typically appear to be accompanied by a protection detail,” the group observed.

Russia, too, is modernizing its nuclear submarine fleet. It operates the Borei-class SSBNs, which are similar in size and capability to the upcoming Type 096. While Russia still leads in overall nuclear warhead numbers, China is catching up fast. According to reports, China currently holds over 600 nuclear warheads and could reach 1,000 by the 2030s.

Why the West Is Paying Attention

The Pentagon, in its annual report on China’s military power, warned that the Type 096 will be equipped with “follow-on longer-range submarine-launched ballistic missiles.” This would give China the ability to strike the U.S. from further away and with greater accuracy. These improvements, combined with China’s growing missile and bomber programs, raise serious concerns for Western defense planners.

Emma Salisbury put it plainly when she said the Type 096 “necessitates a rethink of U.S. capabilities and their deployment.” With more quiet submarines patrolling farther out at sea, the U.S. Navy will have to improve its anti-submarine warfare tools, possibly deploying more undersea drones, sonar networks, and surveillance aircraft in the Pacific.

What Comes Next

China’s nuclear strategy has traditionally been based on “minimum deterrence”—having just enough weapons to survive an attack and strike back. But with the rise of the Type 096 and its advanced missiles, that philosophy seems to be evolving. China may soon gain what defense experts call “first-strike credibility.”

The U.S. and China are not currently engaged in serious arms control talks, largely due to tensions over Taiwan and other flashpoints. But some analysts believe the deployment of the Type 096 could become a turning point. “Once China receives the Type 096 and becomes seaworthy, the United States should consider entering into arms talks with China,” wrote one expert. “The People’s Liberation Army nuclear triad will be fully mature by then, and 1,000 nuclear warheads are a problem.”

Whether those talks happen or not, the strategic reality is shifting. China’s new submarines give it a more flexible, more survivable, and more powerful nuclear force. And for the first time, the U.S. faces a potential underwater rival that is both ready and willing to test the balance of power deep beneath the Pacific waves.