A terrifying revelation about a Chinese nuclear submarine anchored at a naval facility has been revealed by a shocking new satellite photograph. According to an open-source intelligence analyst, the ship is a Type 094 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, and at least four of its nuclear missile hatches are open.
Up to 12 long-range nuclear missiles can be carried by a Type 094.
The image, which was taken by Google Earth Pro on December 7, depicts the submarine stationed at Longpo Naval Base on the southern Chinese island of Hainan.
A crane on the wharf is also shown in the picture, hovering above the open hatches, though it’s not apparent if it was loading or unloading ballistic missiles.
Singapore’s Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies senior fellow Collin Koh said the ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) image is uncommon. He said the following: “[It] further reinforces reports of regular strategic deterrent patrols performed by these SSBNs.”
Longpo Base has six 230-meter wharves that can hold 12 submarines and subterranean facilities that face the disputed South China Sea.
According to a Pentagon report from 2023, each Type 094 submarine is equipped with JL-2 or JL-3 ballistic missiles as a nuclear deterrent.
The Chinese military, which has the largest fleet in the world with over 370 ships and submarines, also equips each Type 094 with JL-2 or JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missiles as part of China’s sea-based nuclear deterrent, according to the Pentagon’s 2023 assessment.
The estimated ranges of the JL-2 and JL-3 missiles are 5,400 nautical miles and 3,900 nautical miles, respectively. The JL-3 might target portions of the US mainland, while the JL-2 might hit the US East Coast from waters east of Hawaii.from china’s water
