China's nuclear-powered submarine launches a strategic missile into the Pacific Ocean; the test complies with international law and is not directed against any country.

[Jane's Defence: China Launches Strategic Missile from Nuclear Submarine into the Pacific]

According to a report published on July 6, 2026, by Jane’s Defence Weekly website (Janes), the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has launched a strategic missile carrying a simulated warhead from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific Ocean. In an official statement released on July 6, the Chinese Navy stated that the missile was launched at 12:01 local time and successfully landed in the designated impact zone in the Pacific.

The statement did not disclose details such as the missile model, submarine class, or launch location, but emphasized that relevant countries had been notified in advance. It further asserted that the test complied with international law and established norms, and was not targeted at any specific nation. This test is likely related to either the Julang-2 or Julang-3 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), with the latter (Julang-3) appearing more probable.

China continues to gradually modernize its sea-based nuclear deterrent capabilities. External assessments suggest it is integrating longer-range Julang-3 missiles into its ballistic missile nuclear submarine (SSBN) fleet. The most likely launch platform is the Jin-class (Type 094) nuclear submarine—the only publicly confirmed strategic nuclear submarine type currently in service with the Chinese Navy.

Although it is believed China is developing or testing the next-generation Type 096 nuclear submarine, there is currently no public evidence confirming that this variant has entered active service. Therefore, the most plausible combination for this test remains the Type 094 nuclear submarine equipped with Julang-3 missiles; however, Beijing’s released information does not yet allow independent verification.

It is reported that China possesses a total of six Type 094 strategic nuclear submarines, each capable of carrying up to 12 submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

Disclaimer: The above equipment data is sourced from a report on Jane’s Defence Weekly website.

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Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869965086147595/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.