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IISS: China Outpaces U.S. in Nuclear-Sub Launches as New SSN Appears

A rapidly expanded Bohai yard now challenges a U.S. industrial base struggling with backlogs.

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Overview

  • IISS reports China launched 10 nuclear-powered submarines totaling about 79,000 tonnes in 2021–2025 versus seven U.S. boats at 55,000 tonnes.
  • Commercial imagery indicates the seventh and eighth Type-094 Jin SSBNs were launched in 2024 and 2025, bolstering China’s sea-based deterrent.
  • Analysts assess up to nine Type-093B Shang III SSNs with vertical launch systems have launched since 2022, and a larger new SSN was seen this month.
  • The production surge follows construction of a second submarine hall at Bohai’s Huludao yard completed between 2019 and 2022.
  • Operational impact remains uncertain due to questions about quieting and First Island Chain transits, even as U.S. CRS data show Virginia- and Columbia-class output lags with delays and backlogs.