The most fearsome missile in China's nuclear triad

China displays the JL-3 submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile. Photo: Reuters .

The JL-3 is a third-generation submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), which will significantly enhance China's nuclear deterrent at sea. The missile appeared in Tiananmen Square during China's military parade marking the 80th anniversary of its victory over Japan in World War II on September 3.

The missile, fired from submarines with a range of over 9,000 km, gives the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) the ability to strike far beyond its shores.

Developed amid escalating geopolitical tensions, the JL-3 demonstrates China’s commitment to modernizing its “nuclear triad” of land, air, and sea-based nuclear systems. With its intercontinental range and ability to carry multiple warheads, the JL-3 makes China a formidable adversary to the United States and its allies.

China's JL-3 makes other nuclear powers hesitate to deploy their forces, for fear of facing an all-out retaliation.

The origins of this fearsome weapon date back to 2010, when China sought to enhance its nuclear submarine capabilities. Inheriting the JL-2, the JL-3 overcomes the limitations of range and the risk of being intercepted. By 2022, the US Navy confirmed that Chinese submarines were equipped with the JL-3, marking the official entry of this type of missile into service.

The JL-3 is a solid-fuel SLBM, which increases launch readiness and reduces the risk of detection compared to liquid-fueled missiles. The JL-3 has a range of over 9,000 km, reaching distant targets from safe “fortresses” such as the South China Sea without having to enter the Pacific Ocean, where the US Navy has many advantages.

This missile is equipped with multiple independent nuclear warheads, can carry up to 3 warheads, increasing the ability to penetrate missile shields.

Each of China’s Jin-class (Type 094) submarines can carry 12 JL-3s. With six Type 094 submarines in service, China maintains near-continuous sea patrol capabilities. These parameters make the JL-3 the mainstay of China’s nuclear strike capability.

According to experts, Beijing is developing a medium-range nuclear force, with more than 600 warheads deployed in 2024 and forecast to exceed 1,000 warheads by 2030.

Source: https://znews.vn/loai-ten-lua-dang-so-nhat-trong-bo-ba-hat-nhan-cua-trung-quoc-post1582815.html