| Julang-2 (JL-2) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | SLBM |
| Place of origin | People's Republic of China |
| Service history | |
| In service | Active as of 20151 |
| Used by | People's Liberation Army Navy |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 42,000 kilograms (93,000 lb)2 |
| Length | 13 metres (43 ft)2 |
| Warhead | single or 3-8 MIRV nuclear warhead |
| Blast yield | 1 megaton of TNT (4.2 PJ) single, 20/90/150kt |
| Propellant | Solid-fuel rocket |
Operational range | 3,900 nmi (7,200 km) |
Guidance system | Astro-inertial3 with satellite-based updates2 |
Launch platform | Type 094 submarine |
The JL-2 (Chinese: 巨浪-2; pinyin: Jù Làng Èr; lit. 'Giant Wave 2', NATO reporting name CSS-N-14) is a Chinese second-generation intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) deployed on the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) Type 094 submarines.
The JL-2 provides China with its first viable sea-based nuclear deterrent.4
Development
The JL-2 was developed as part of a larger program to replace the liquid-fuelled ballistic missiles developed from 1965 with solid-fuelled missiles.5 The JL-2 was the SLBM variant of the land-based DF-31. Development of both missiles began in the mid-1980s,6 with the SLBM having less priority.7 The first JL-2 at-sea launch occurred in 2001 from a Type 031 submarine.87 The missile suffered a series of testing failures. A successful test cycle was achieved in 2012.6
During the development of the missile, it was reported that China was considering modifying the missile to accommodate an anti-satellite warhead to give it a sea-based anti-satellite capability.9
Type 094 deterrence patrols with JL-2 missiles began in December 2015.1 Each submarine may carry 12 missiles.4
Description
The JL-2 is a three-stage, solid-fueled missile,10 with a maximum range of 3,900 nmi (7,200 km).4 It carries a single11 1 megaton warhead.3 According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the missile may carry 3-8 MIRVs with yields of 20, 90, or 150 kilotons.2
References
References
- Fisher, Richard D. Jr. (16 December 2015). "China advances sea- and land-based nuclear deterrent capabilities". Jane's Defence Weekly. 53 (6). Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group. ISSN 0265-3818.
- "JL-2". Missile Threat. Center for Strategic and International Studies. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
- Rahmat, Ridzwan (25 March 2014). "PACOM chief says China will deploy long-range nuclear missiles on subs this year". janes.com. Archived from the original on 30 March 2014. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
- Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2024, p. 53.
- Logan 2019, pp. 397–398.
- Logan 2019, p. 399.
- Lewis, Jeffrey (25 June 2005). "JL-2 SLBM Flight Test". Arms Control Wonk. Archived from the original on 15 December 2012. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
- Descisciolo 2005, p. 52.
- Gertz, Bill (18 January 2008). "Submarine ASAT". Washington Post.
- Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat 2020, p. 3.
- Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat 2020, p. 33.
Sources
Sources
- Descisciolo, Dominic (2005). "China's Space Development and Nuclear Strategy". In Goldstein, Lyle J. (ed.). China's Nuclear Force Modernization. Newport Papers. Naval War College Press. ISSN 1544-6824.
- Logan, David C. (2019). "Making Sense of China's Missile Forces". In Saunders, Phillip C.; Ding, Arthur S.; Scobell, Andrew; Yang, Andrew N.D.; Joel, Wuthnow (eds.). Chairman Xi Remakes the PLA: Assessing Chinese Military Reforms. Washington, D.C.: National Defense University Press. ISBN 978-1070233420.
- Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2024 (PDF) (Report). United States Department of Defense. 2024.
- Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat (PDF) (Report). United States National Air and Space Intelligence Center. July 2020.