China is currently building four advanced nuclear submarines each capable of launching up to 24 nuclear ballistic missiles, according to a recent assessment by a Russian military think tank.
A significant component of the military buildup revealed by the recent white paper released by China’s government on April 16 is devoted to enhancing its nuclear strike capability, according to the Moscow-based weekly Independent Military Review.
China currently has two type-094 Jin-class ballistic missile submarines commissioned in 2004. The Jin-class can carry 12 JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) with a range of between 7,000-13,000 kilometers (4,300-8,100 miles). It is currently building four more Type-096 Tang-class nuclear-powered submarines that will carry between 16 and 24 JL-2 SLBMs, according to the Review. (China’s Tang-class subs should not be confused with the 6 conventionally-powered submarines by the same designation commissioned by the US between 1949 and 1952. All US Tang-class subs were decommissioned around 1983.)
China’s JL-2 SLBMs can deliver up to 10 multiple independent-reentry vehicles (MIRV), each of which can be armed with a nuclear warhead.
The US currently has 14 Ohio-class nuclear submarines carrying 24 Trident I or Trident II nuclear ballistic missiles. They make up the third and perhaps most effective leg of the US strategic nuclear force. Each Trident I missile can deliver up to 8 MIRVed nuclear warheads while the Trident II missiles can each deliver 12. The Trident II missile represents a dramatic technological advance over the Trident I, being made of graphite epoxy for lighter weight, enabling greater range and a bigger payload.
China’s nuclear buildup has prompted both Russia and India to boost their nuclear arsenals, according to the Review.
China has 240 nuclear warheads according the US-based Arms Control Association. The nuclear warhead count is only 200 according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. However, there is general agreement that China’s nuclear arsenal has been growing rapidly.
The budget for the People’s Liberation Army for 2012 was reported as $115.7 billion during the opening of the annual meeting of the National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in Beijing on March 5. By comparison the US annual defense budget was $683.7 bil. in 2011.
