Archive · 19 Jan 2026
China Unveils Advanced Type 096 Nuclear Submarine
China has shown off a new, big, and advanced submarine called the Type 096.
It's really big, like the US Ohio-class submarines, and it can carry up to 24 long-range missiles.
This submarine is designed to be very quiet and hard to detect, which is important for avoiding enemies.
It also has special technology to reduce noise and vibrations, making it stealthier.
Additionally, it can fire torpedoes for defense.
This new submarine shows that China is getting closer to having the same powerful sea-based nuclear weapons as the US and Russia.
China unveiled the Type 096 Tang-Class submarine, a significant upgrade to its undersea nuclear capability.
The submarine has a displacement of 15,000 to 20,000 tonnes, similar to US Ohio-class and Columbia-class submarines.
It is equipped with advanced stealth features, including raft-mounted machinery and hull isolation systems.
The Type 096 can carry up to 24 JL-3 missiles and is powered by a pressurised water-cooled nuclear reactor.
The submarine also has six 533 mm torpedo tubes for conventional defense.
- Who
- China
- What
- Unveiled the Type 096 Tang-Class ballistic missile submarine
- When
- January 14
- Where
- China
- Why
- To upgrade undersea nuclear capability and match US and Russian capabilities
- Submarine Class
- Type 096 Tang-Class
- Displacement
- 15,000 to 20,000 tonnes
- Missiles
- Up to 24 JL-3s
- Torpedo Tubes
- Six 533 mm
- Propulsion
- Pressurised water-cooled nuclear reactor
- Stealth Features
- Raft-mounted machinery, hull isolation systems, quieter propulsion