JL-2


The JL-2 is a Chinese second-generation intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missile deployed on the People's Liberation Army Navy's Type 094 submarines. It succeeds the JL-1 SLBM deployed on the Type 092 submarine.
The JL-2 provides China with its first viable sea-based nuclear deterrent.

Development

The JL-2 is a naval variant of the land-based DF-31. Their common 2-metre diameter solid fuel rocket motor was successfully tested in late 1983, and research and development efforts were reorganized starting in 1985 to produce both missiles.
The first JL-2 at-sea launch occurred in 2001 from a Type 031 submarine. The program was delayed after a failed test in 2004. Successful launches occurred in 2005 and 2008. The missile was successfully fired from a Type 094 submarine, the intended operational platform, for the first time in 2009. A series of test launches occurred in 2012. Another test launch occurred in January 2015.
During the development of the missile, it was reported that China was considering modifying the missile to accommodate an anti-satellite warhead to give it a sea-based anti-satellite capability.
Type 094 deterrence patrols with JL-2 missiles began in December 2015.
, 48 JL-2 launchers are deployed on submarines.

Description

The JL-2 is a three-stage, solid-fuelled missile, with a maximum range of. Its payload is a single 1 Megaton warhead.

Citations