MilitaryJL-3 SLBM (Julang-3)
Missile Systemestimated
The JL-3 (Julang-3) is China's third-generation submarine-launched ballistic missile, with a range exceeding 10,000 km enabling China to strike the continental United States from waters near China. MIRV-capable with up to 10 warheads. Deployed on Jin-class (Type 094) and planned for future Type 096 SSBNs.
Specifications
| Type | Missile System |
| Origin | China |
| Manufacturer | China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) |
| Introduced | 2024 |
| Status | In service |
| Range | 10,000 |
| Speed | 24,000 |
History
First tested 2018. Multiple successful tests by 2022. Entered service with PLAN SSBNs around 2024. Significantly extends China's sea-based nuclear deterrent — earlier JL-2 could not reliably reach CONUS from Chinese waters, forcing submarines to operate in the central Pacific where they are vulnerable.
Operators
| Country | Quantity | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| China | ~48 JL-3 missiles for SSBN fleet | estimated |
Text adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo from Wikimedia Commons; see the Wikipedia article for author and license.
