The submarines of the People’s Liberation Army of China are now on the next step up in their under-the-sea nuclear power capabilities following the coming into service of the Type 096 submarines. Generally known as the Tang-class submarines, the introduction of the Type 096 submarines will change the power dynamics in the world’s oceans since they are capable of delivering a long-range missile strike. This submarine will make China the closest it has ever been to the US-Russia long-range deterrence capabilities through the oceans.
What is the Type 096 Submarine
Type 096 submarines will serve as China’s future-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and their primary mission will be conducting submarine-launched ballistic missile attacks. Current indications reveal that the submarines will have the capacity to carry up to 24 submarine-launched ballistic missiles in their stock. Its range will be in excess of 6,200 miles. This will enable it to attack targets in the continental USA from its waters in China, including the South China Sea, without necessarily accessing disputed waters.
Satellite imagery purporting to show China’s suspected Type 096 strategic nuclear submarine has emerged online.
Military analysts estimate the vessel boasts an underwater displacement of 16,000–20,000 TONS, a max dive depth of 600–650 METERS, and a top submerged speed of 30–32… pic.twitter.com/9w1Y3J7w1P
— GeoFrontline (@GEO_FRONTLINE_) January 9, 2026
How Big is the Type 096 Submarine?
Estimated to displace between 15,000 to 20,000 tons while submerged, the Type 096 submarine is comparable in terms of size to the U.S. Naval Ohio-class submarines. Following its larger size comes advanced designs that incorporate sound-reducing technology in the form of raft equipment and sound insulation modules. It is projected that these improvements perked the sound level of the submarine to less than 100 decibels, making the submarine nearly seamless within the sound of the ocean’s ambient sound levels.
Key Specifications of the Type 096 Submarine
The submarine has one single shaft driven via a steam turbine by a pressurized water-cooled nuclear reactor. It is fitted with six 533mm torpedo tubes able to fire Yu-6 torpedoes, which run at 60 knots over 18 miles. It is designed with a pump-jet propulsor, vibration dampening systems, and towed sonar arrays against detection while conducting strategic deterrence patrols in important waters. The Type 096 makes for a powerful deterrent with its mix of missile range, quieting technology, and conventional weaponry.
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Specification |
Details |
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Class Name |
Type 096 Tang-Class SSBN |
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Displacement |
15,000–20,000 tons |
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Length |
Estimated 160–170 meters |
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Propulsion |
Pressurized water cooled nuclear reactor, single shaft, steam turbine |
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Maximum Speed |
Classified, estimated ~25+ knots |
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Armament |
Up to 24 JL-3 SLBMs, 6 × 533mm torpedo tubes (Yu-6 torpedoes) |
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Missile Range |
JL-3: over 6,200 miles (10,000 km), MIRV capable |
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Stealth Features |
Raft-mounted machinery, hull isolation, vibration-dampening, pump jet propulsion |
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Sensors & Countermeasures |
Towed sonar arrays, acoustic decoys, sonar countermeasures |
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Operational Role |
Strategic nuclear deterrence, anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare |
Russia’s Role in Developing China’s Type 096 Submarine
Although China has its strong indigenous submarine designs, there is also speculation that Russia has been providing technological assistance, especially with to the propulsion system as well as silence technology. Rubin Design Bureau, which is Russia’s Borei class SSBN designer is known to have had influence over the Chinese Type 096 designs as well, based on reports, as both countries are finding common ground against the sanctions from the West since 2022.
Strategic Impacts of the Type 096 on the U.S. Navy
The Type 096 is also a threat to the United States in terms of submarine dominance in the Indo-Pacific region in particular. The stealth features of this submarine are such that they are difficult to be detected even by attack submarines in the United States and surveillance aircraft. It has been predicted that this new generation of submarines could make it rather complex for the United States to implement its plans against the threat of Chinese nuclear weapons, especially with Taiwan.
Could China’s 6,000 Mile Nuclear Missiles Threaten the US?
China’s Type 096 nuclear submarine has JL-3 missiles with a range over 6,000 miles, capable of targeting the continental USA from coastal waters. This makes possible China’s guaranteed second nuclear strike capability against the USA, threatening U.S. submarine superiority as well as the nuclear balance of power within the Indo-Pacific strategic context.
