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09III/09IV (093/094) Nuclear Submarine Thread
- Thread starter SinoSoldier
- Start date
At some point in the last 10 days *something* appeared in the launching drydock. However, the launch barge does not appear to have moved - usually it is left on the bottom of the dock for a few weeks after a launch. There's also a sub in for refit in the drydock on the West (old) side.
Rough measurements on that drydock indicate a length of ~135 meters, which means that a 093B SSN (or anyone from the 093 SSN family, in fact) is out of the question.
Three possibilities to explain this particular boat:
#1 - The first boat of the two alleged 094B-class SSBNs with larger SL-ICBM tubes (for JL-3, perhaps?); or
#2 - A 094/A SSBN coming in for/out of maintenance/ROH (though I think this is less likely); or
#3 - The first boat of the brand new 095-class SSN.
We need clearer photos of that boat for sure.
As for the boat at the older (West) side of the shipyard - The length I obtained is ~110 meters, so that should be a 093/A/B SSN.
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Tbf is there a reason to be building a 094B at this point in time? 096 is right on the horizon and there's enough 094A/094 to keep a minimum deterrence. Plus weren't the 094 fleet recently upgraded with JL-2As(Or what western media calls JL-3), but it is suspicious that this new submarine has a length exactly the same as a 094.
Firstly, we don't know how close that "right on the horizon" is. I don't think we can infer that the 096 SSBN is already under construction unless there are more solid/concrete proofs/indications.
Next, assuming that the claim is accurate - If those larger SL-ICBM tubes are indeed meant for JL-3, then I believe that the two 094B SSBNs are likely technological validation platforms. The 094/A is a readily-available and operationally-proven platform, thus having the two 094Bs based on them is reasonable. Those 094Bs probably are playing the same role in the SSBN domain as the 093Bs are doing in the SSN domain.
Plus, it also depends on how many nuclear warheads that the PLA CMC plans to put on their SSBNs in the near term. These two 094B SSBNs might just be a marginal expansion of the PLAN's SSBN force through replacing the sole, aging 092 SSBN.
Of course, I'm not arguing against building 096 SSBNs either - In fact, apart from being SSBNs, I do see the avenue where the 096 becomes the platform for special mission and SSGN applications.
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Bohai Shipyard is looking for an assembly platform for a circular/rim part up to 14 meters.
not saying 096 SSBN construction has begun but looks like preparation has completed and construction can start any time.
maybe this new object could be the first boat of 095 SSN.. waiting for high resolution pics.
The lack of apparent movement by the launch barge suggests it's an older boat in for work (if it's a sub at all).
Can you screenshot whatever was in the drydock because the website does not load properly for me, TYVM