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A rare frontal view of the new CASC DF-41 ICBM. Source: Via Chinese Internet
China has advanced its nuclear deterrent capabilities by sending a Type 094 ('Jin'-class) nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) out on its first deterrent patrol and by conducting a fifth reported test of its mobile, solid-fuel, multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV)-capable DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), according to US officials.
Although China's first second-generation Type 094 was launched in 2004, according to IHS Jane's Fighting Ships , US officials have not acknowledged that its premier deterrent patrol had occurred until this month.
"Given China's known capabilities and their efforts to develop a sea-based deterrent, in absence of indicators to the contrary it is prudent to assume that patrols are occurring," said US Strategic Command spokesperson US Navy captain Pamela Kunzein in a statement to The Washington Times published on 10 December.
The People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN's) preparations for deterrent patrols, however, have been lengthy. The Pentagon's 2014 annual report to the US Congress on China's Military Power had stated: "China is likely to conduct its first nuclear deterrence patrols with the JIN-class SSBN in 2014." Since at least 2008 Chinese internet imagery has shown the Type 094 based at the new large PLAN base at Yalong Bay on Hainan Island.
Recent satellite images have shown three Type 094s at Yalong Bay. The Pentagon's China report said in its 2015 edition that four Jin-class SSBNs are currently operational and for several years has stated up to five may be built. However, in Congressional testimony on 15 April the previous US Pacific Command commander, Admiral Samuel Locklear, said China might build up to eight Type 094s.
The Type 094 SSBN is armed with 12 7,000-8,000 km range JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missiles armed with single nuclear warheads.
China's land-based nuclear forces also advanced with a 4 December test of the road-mobile DF-41 ICBM employing two warheads, according to US sources reported on 11 December in the Washington Free Beacon .
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China advances sea- and land-based nuclear deterrent capabilities | IHS Jane's 360
