China Tests JL-3 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile: U.S. Mainland Well Within Range

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has carried out a major test of a JL-3 submarine launched intercontinental range ballistic missile (ICBM) - the second such test reported in 2019. The test was reported by U.S. media, citing sources in the Pentagon, with the launch having been carried out on December 22 from a Type 094 'Jin Class' nuclear submarine in Bohai Bay on the Yellow Sea. The test launch of the JL-3 ICBMs was carried out from underwater - making it possibly the first to do so. The new missile makes use of a solid fuel composite for a quick response time, and has an estimated engagement range of up to 14km. The missile makes use of several similar technologies as the new DF-41 ICBM, and can carry up to ten nuclear warheads with separate reentry vehicles. The missiles are expected to replace the JL-2 missiles on the navy’s Type 094 Class submarines, and will also equip the upcoming next generation warships being developed under Project 096.

The JL-2 missiles currently in service retain a range of just 8000km, which combined with the limited stealth capabilities of the Type 094 Class relative to its American and Russian counterparts limits the viability of China’s second stage deterrent. The missile is considerably less capable than its counterparts in U.S. and Russian service, but marks a considerable improvement over its predecessor the JL-1 which entered service in the 1980s with a 2500km range and a single warhead. The JL-3 will not only significantly improve the performance of the Type 094 Class, allowing it to strike targets on the U.S. mainland from far longer ranges, but it will also provide an effective armament to its successor the Type 096 Class. The first Type 096 Class ship is expected to be commissioned in the mid-2020s.