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China’s military reveals details of Type 094 nuclear submarine for first time

Vessel has submerged displacement of 11,000 tonnes, maximum speed of 30 knots and can operate at a depth of 400 metres, according to PLA

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China’s nuclear-powered Type 094A ballistic missile submarine is said to be quieter than the earlier model. Photo: Reuters
Liu Zhen
The People’s Liberation Army has revealed details of its Type 094 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine for the first time, during the navy’s open day.

The sea-based nuclear deterrent is said to have a submerged displacement of 11,000 tonnes, according to information on display during events to mark the PLA Navy’s 76th anniversary last week.

Posters on display for the open day also said the nuclear submarine had a maximum speed of 30 knots and could operate at a maximum depth of 400 metres.

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That differs from estimates that the Type 094 had a submerged displacement of 9,000 tonnes, could travel at 20 knots and operate at a depth of 300 metres.

The posters also gave details of the Jin-class submarine’s size – about 135 metres long, 13 metres wide, and with a surface displacement of 8,000 tonnes.

The Type 094 submarine carries JL-2 ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads that have a range of about 7,000km. Photo: AP
The Type 094 submarine carries JL-2 ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads that have a range of about 7,000km. Photo: AP

It is the first time China’s military has disclosed the specifications of the strategic deterrence submarine since it entered service in 2007, though it was part of naval fleet review ceremonies in 2018 and 2019.

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