09III/09IV (093/094) Nuclear Submarine Thread
- Thread starter SinoSoldier
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I just wonder. When the Type 096 comes into service. Could the older Type 094s be converted into dedicated Cruise Missile Submarines? Something similar to the older Ohio class submarines. China does not yet have dedicated nuclear cruise missile submarines at the moment.
These converted Type 094s would exchange their JL-2s for navalized CJ-10 LACMs, YJ-100 long range AshMs or YJ-18 AshMs.
In the Ohio class. Each Trident launch tube could accommodate 7 Tomahawk missiles. So using that as an estimate, the Type 094s could theoretically carry up to 84 cruise missiles. Not the biggest, but still a decent payload. And no need to build brand new cruise missile submarines in the short term.
These converted Type 94s would serve a role similar to the Soviet/Russian Oscar class submarines vs USN Carrier Battle Groups.
These converted Type 094s would exchange their JL-2s for navalized CJ-10 LACMs, YJ-100 long range AshMs or YJ-18 AshMs.
In the Ohio class. Each Trident launch tube could accommodate 7 Tomahawk missiles. So using that as an estimate, the Type 094s could theoretically carry up to 84 cruise missiles. Not the biggest, but still a decent payload. And no need to build brand new cruise missile submarines in the short term.
These converted Type 94s would serve a role similar to the Soviet/Russian Oscar class submarines vs USN Carrier Battle Groups.
There is nothing that technically could stop them from doing this. But them actually doing it is another question. There are policy and doctrinal differences. You need to ask the people in charge.
Plus, even if that happens some day, it won't be anytime soon. PLA needs a sub based nuke delivery fleet. And 096 ships will still need time to be built, tested and fielded in sufficient numbers. The total number of boats and missiles on deployment planned for the future are likely higher than the numbers available now. So we're likely not talking about 6 096 boats but more, possibly as many as 12. Only then we might see the older 094 starting to get converted for other duties. So we might be some two decades away from that. A decade at least, if there's a huge surge in the arms race.
Lethe
Captain
Converting 094s for SSGN roles as 096s come online is an attractive notion at first glance, but loses some of its lustre on closer examination. First there is the issue of total SSBN force structure requirements, as noted by Totoro. I think a medium-term force structure of 12 boats is reasonable. The requirement for a large SSBN force is dictated by USN's large SSN fleet that is available for strategic ASW taskings. The more SSBNs you have, the more can be deployed on a regular basis and the greater surge capacity that exists, complicating USN SSN taskings considerably.
A robust SSGN capability is highly desirable mostly to hold the American carrier battle groups at risk. Land targets are secondary. Having achieved a force of 12 SSBNs consisting of 6x094s and 6x096s, the question becomes whether subsequent 096-series construction should continue to deliver SSBNs, with 094s retooled as SSGNs, or rather if future 096 boats should be delivered as SSGNs from the start. The advantage of the latter path is that not only does it deliver a superior SSGN capability, but it does so more efficiently than converting 094s, which takes both time and money. The disadvantage is a diminished nuclear deterrent.
One advantage of using 096 as the basis for an SSGN platform is that it removes the impetus to make future SSNs like 095 large and expensive "multipurpose platforms" and frees them to be optimised for the ASW role, with high speed, maneuverability, and large torpedo magazines to e.g. hold American SSBNs at risk. One disadvantage of using 096 as the basis for an SSGN platform is that it is unlikely to be as fast as would be desired. This weakness could be partly offset by making the 096-SSGN variant smaller by reducing the size of the missile compartment.
A robust SSGN capability is highly desirable mostly to hold the American carrier battle groups at risk. Land targets are secondary. Having achieved a force of 12 SSBNs consisting of 6x094s and 6x096s, the question becomes whether subsequent 096-series construction should continue to deliver SSBNs, with 094s retooled as SSGNs, or rather if future 096 boats should be delivered as SSGNs from the start. The advantage of the latter path is that not only does it deliver a superior SSGN capability, but it does so more efficiently than converting 094s, which takes both time and money. The disadvantage is a diminished nuclear deterrent.
One advantage of using 096 as the basis for an SSGN platform is that it removes the impetus to make future SSNs like 095 large and expensive "multipurpose platforms" and frees them to be optimised for the ASW role, with high speed, maneuverability, and large torpedo magazines to e.g. hold American SSBNs at risk. One disadvantage of using 096 as the basis for an SSGN platform is that it is unlikely to be as fast as would be desired. This weakness could be partly offset by making the 096-SSGN variant smaller by reducing the size of the missile compartment.
I think given the lack of SSBNs the Chinese Type 096 will be used strictly on that role. The existing SSBNs aren't particularly modern either.
I think the Type 094 is most suited for the SSBN role since those weapons have longer distance strike power. Hence they can operate further away from the frontlines. They should upgrade them to carry the JL-3 missile or an upgraded variant of the JL-2 missile however.
I think the land attack or anti-surface role will likely be related to attack submarines with smaller displacement. China has enough surface ships that large missile boats aren't as necessary and they just lack nuclear submarine hulls to use for such niche applications.
I think the Type 094 is most suited for the SSBN role since those weapons have longer distance strike power. Hence they can operate further away from the frontlines. They should upgrade them to carry the JL-3 missile or an upgraded variant of the JL-2 missile however.
I think the land attack or anti-surface role will likely be related to attack submarines with smaller displacement. China has enough surface ships that large missile boats aren't as necessary and they just lack nuclear submarine hulls to use for such niche applications.
Yes fully agree that SSBNs are a big priority now. SSGNs are nice to have, but it's a luxury that China can wait for in the future.
12 Type 096 is a good number for China's nuclear security. I thought at first that 6 boats would have been enough, because PLAN nuclear submarine building is the slowest of all its vessel types. It's likely to take many years to reach that 12 Type 096 boats.
The biggest issue for China's SSBN fleet is their perceived limited access to the Pacific unlike the USN and Russian Navy. The SCS is too crowded for SSBN patrols. So that is why I thought the PLAN planners put a lower priority on their SSBN program.