Google Earth satellite imagery have revealed at least six Chinese nuclear submarines docked at the Qingdao First Submarine Base, exposing the scale of China’s rapidly expanding undersea nuclear fleet. This “secret” base, located about 18 kilometers east of Qingdao along the Yellow Sea, is strategically positioned to provide China swift access to key waters such as the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan, the submarines identified include a mix of older and newer classes: two Type 091 and two Type 093A nuclear-powered attack submarines, one Type 092 ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), and an unidentified vessel possibly undergoing dismantling or maintenance.
This disclosure shows a dramatic change in China's naval capability and aspirations, both nuclear-powered and diesel-electric submarines are currently part of the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) varied submarine fleet, with nuclear submarines increasingly serving as the foundation of its strategic deterrent, the foundation of China's sea-based nuclear deterrent is made up of Type 094 Jin-class SSBNs, which can carry up to twelve nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. In order to improve its second-strike capacity, China is also working on the next-generation Type 096 SSBN, which is anticipated to go into service within the next ten years and have longer-range missiles.
The U.S. Department of Defense estimates that China’s submarine fleet will grow from around 60 units today to approximately 65 by 2025 and potentially 80 by the 2030s, this growth includes an accelerated production of advanced attack submarines, such as the Type 093B, which are equipped with vertical launch systems for cruise missiles, significantly boosting China’s strike capabilities, satellite images from early 2025 show multiple Type 093B submarines at the Huludao shipyard, indicating a rapid expansion rate that outpaces previous decades.
The acquisition of more submarines is a component of Chinese larger naval modernization plan, which aims to increase its blue-water capabilities and establish its supremacy in disputed areas such as the South China Sea and beyond, in addition to projecting power, the placement of nuclear submarines in these regions acts as a deterrence, guaranteeing that China is capable of carrying out retaliatory nuclear attacks if needed, China's intention to increase its influence throughout the Indo-Pacific is evident in recent PLAN actions, such as naval groups operating nuclear submarines close to Australia.
The fact that these submarines were revealed to the public by satellite photography is evidence of the increasing importance of open-source intelligence in tracking military events throughout the world, the availability of high-resolution commercial satellite imagery has made it more challenging to hide such strategic assets, even though China has long attempted to conceal its fleet of nuclear submarines.
Also the Type 041, one of Chinese newest nuclear-powered attack submarines, is said to have sunk at a shipyard in 2024, prompting concerns about the PLAN growing fleet operational preparedness and maintenance requirements, the difficulties China confronts in quickly expanding its advanced naval platforms are highlighted by such instances.
To further improve its amphibious and expeditionary warfare capabilities, China is apparently building floating "water bridges" that can carry tanks and other heavy equipment across seas in addition to submarines, all of these events point to Chinese readiness for future wars, especially those involving Taiwan and more general regional conflicts.
This disclosure shows a dramatic change in China's naval capability and aspirations, both nuclear-powered and diesel-electric submarines are currently part of the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) varied submarine fleet, with nuclear submarines increasingly serving as the foundation of its strategic deterrent, the foundation of China's sea-based nuclear deterrent is made up of Type 094 Jin-class SSBNs, which can carry up to twelve nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. In order to improve its second-strike capacity, China is also working on the next-generation Type 096 SSBN, which is anticipated to go into service within the next ten years and have longer-range missiles.
The U.S. Department of Defense estimates that China’s submarine fleet will grow from around 60 units today to approximately 65 by 2025 and potentially 80 by the 2030s, this growth includes an accelerated production of advanced attack submarines, such as the Type 093B, which are equipped with vertical launch systems for cruise missiles, significantly boosting China’s strike capabilities, satellite images from early 2025 show multiple Type 093B submarines at the Huludao shipyard, indicating a rapid expansion rate that outpaces previous decades.
The acquisition of more submarines is a component of Chinese larger naval modernization plan, which aims to increase its blue-water capabilities and establish its supremacy in disputed areas such as the South China Sea and beyond, in addition to projecting power, the placement of nuclear submarines in these regions acts as a deterrence, guaranteeing that China is capable of carrying out retaliatory nuclear attacks if needed, China's intention to increase its influence throughout the Indo-Pacific is evident in recent PLAN actions, such as naval groups operating nuclear submarines close to Australia.
The fact that these submarines were revealed to the public by satellite photography is evidence of the increasing importance of open-source intelligence in tracking military events throughout the world, the availability of high-resolution commercial satellite imagery has made it more challenging to hide such strategic assets, even though China has long attempted to conceal its fleet of nuclear submarines.
Also the Type 041, one of Chinese newest nuclear-powered attack submarines, is said to have sunk at a shipyard in 2024, prompting concerns about the PLAN growing fleet operational preparedness and maintenance requirements, the difficulties China confronts in quickly expanding its advanced naval platforms are highlighted by such instances.
To further improve its amphibious and expeditionary warfare capabilities, China is apparently building floating "water bridges" that can carry tanks and other heavy equipment across seas in addition to submarines, all of these events point to Chinese readiness for future wars, especially those involving Taiwan and more general regional conflicts.
