Three Chinese ballistic missile submarines have been seen spotted near the waters off China's southern island province of Hainan, according to the Canada-based Kanwa Defense Review operated by Andrei Chang also known as Pinkov, a military analyst.
According to Kanwa, satellite photos available online show three submarines that seem to be shorter than the ordinary Type 094 Jin-class ballistic missile submarine. With the capability to carry 12 JL-2 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the three submarines are either the modified version of Type 094s or Type 096 Tang-class ballistic missile submarines. It indicates however that China is building more nuclear-powered strategic submarines, Kanwa said.Hainan is the forward base for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy to deploy its warships into the disputed South China Sea, and this may explain the three ballistic missile submarines in the region. In addition, the deep waters of the South China Sea provide Chinese nuclear-powered strategic submarines with the perfect cover to avoid the detection of US aircraft, warships and satellites.
With three nuclear-powered strategic submarines, China is capable of launching at least 36 ICBMs, according to Kanwa, adding that the PLA Navy is in fact building up its second strike capability. Meanwhile, satellite photos also indicate that the country's Type 092 Xia-class submarine remains in port and may likely be replaced by the Type 094 submarine in the near future.
http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?cid=1101&MainCatID=11&id=20140525000107
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