Chinese state media has released a rare footage of a new Type 094 Class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine departing on a long-range patrol, with the broadcast featuring a declaration from one of the crew pledging fire the ship’s nuclear missiles “without hesitation” if ordered.
The ship departed from Longpo Naval Base, a heavily fortified underground facility on Hainan Island that hosts the bulk of the Chinese strategic submarine fleet.
The facility has recently seen new J-20 fifth generation fighter and J-16 heavyweight fighter brigades deployed nearby, likely as means to strengthen its defences.
This footage is the first known instance in which Chinese state media has publicly acknowledged the active deployment of the submarine class.
Type 094 JIn Class Nuclear Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine
Although China has emerged as a world leader in many areas of its military capabilities, its fleet of modern ballistic missile submarines remains small at an estimated four ships. The Type 094 Class has nevertheless provided a major leap forward in capabilities that has largely bridged the technological gap with the American and Russian fleets.
American Buddhist Net 