Still, the Type 094 Class has helped bridge the gap between the technological capabilities possessed by Beijing and those of Washington and Moscow.
The vessels are reported to feature a maximum submerged speed of 30 knots and an operational depth of 400 meters, a marked improvement on previous models, which boasted a 20 knot speed and 300 meter maximum depth, according to a Navy open day held in April.
Alongside these specs, the updated sub has been integrated with JL-3 ballistic missiles, which China claims can destroy targets at a distance of more than 10,000km, allowing a potential strike on the U.S. from the South China Sea.
Each submarine can carry up to 12 of these projectiles, though it is unknown how many of the fleet can operate the JL-3.
As renovations to its navy continue, China is anticipated to significantly expand its ballistic missile submarine fleet over the next decade, with eight projected Type 094s and a future successor, the Type 096.
This vessel is predicted to provide China’s nuclear fleets with a distinct edge, expected to be able to carry up to 24 JL-3 ballistic missiles, making them among the most heavily armed submarines in the world.
This coincides with the Asian superpower’s continued encroachment into disputed territories with neighbours such as Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan.
Officials from the latter nation have declared that they expect a full-scale Chinese invasion imminently after a recent military audit revealed Taiwan was missing approximately 30% of its reserve equipment.
