Can China Catch Up With U.S. Nuclear Submarine Tech? | WSJ U.S. vs. China

Decades behind, China is now in the process of modernizing its ballistic missile submarine fleet to strengthen its nuclear deterrence capabilities. Can its new Type 096 submarines and JL-3 missiles compete with the U.S. Navy’s quieter Ohio class SSBNs and larger Trident II missiles?

WSJ compares China’s and the U.S.'s fleets and explains what impact each has on the global stage today.

0:00 Here’s how the U.S. and China’s nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines match up
0:46 Origins of U.S. and China’s SSBNs: Ohio-class vs. Jin Class
3:17 U.S. and China’s missile capability: Trident II vs. JL 3
5:45 U.S. and China’s plans for new SSBNs: Columbia class vs. Type 095

U.S. vs. China
This original video series explores the rivalry between the two superpowers’ competing efforts to develop the technologies that are reshaping our world.

#Submarine #China #WSJ

SSBNs are among the most closely guarded secrets in any nation’s military. It’s difficult or impossible to get any real info on these things, making comparisons like this difficult.

[proogenji]

The more proper comparison is between the SSBN of one country and its opponent's detection ability. You don't need to be quieter than your opponent's SSBN, but just quiet enough to evade detection.

[SubBrief]

Truth is no one knows how capable the Type 096 will be until its in the water. However, China has made astonishingly rapid improvements in their combat system capability in the last 10 years. If that trend is an indication of what China is capable of in submarine construction quality, then we have a peer competitor in Asia. In submarine warfare, quality of construction and the training of the sailor is everything.

[maxloewe]

Thanks WSJ for calculating the survivability of submarines in a nuclear war.

[tonyfondacaro]

Having a fleet of capable submarines is one thing. Having a Navy of proficient sailors who can employ all that capability is quite another.

[katprowler]

USN SSBNs or even SSNs are at least 1.5X-2X Gen ahead of PLANs but of course when it comes to weapon systems the old adage still holds true.
A 1700s musket can potentially inflict as much damage as a 21st century rifle.
Either way let's pray these are nvr put to use in anger and may cooler heads prevailed.

[unknowndoe]

Are you going to do an epidoe on destroyers next? Comparing type 055 with arleigh burke class

[Wbliss]

One of the technological advancement in marine warfare, that needs to address is the tracking system of enemy subs. operating in a specified area, and developing highly mobile marine missiles to track & destroy that particular target upon detection. Such systems could be in the testing phase & how well it works in operational terms, has yet to be determined.

[Djamonja]

Obviously having SSBNs has an important deterrence value, but it's really not going to change much if the nuclear missiles start flying (we'll all be in bad shape). So unless you can take out every enemy SSBN plus intercept every enemy ICBM, you're still in a world barely worth living in.

[dravenvea]

the ability of ensuring mutual destruction is key to global security. the nuclear triangle of China Russia and US is the best thing we have.

[manutdestifanos]

Can you tell me how u come up with these state secrets??🤔🤔

[HuyLe-qcjc]

The START treaty has been suspended and isn't in effect any longer. It also only covers the US and Russia so China does not need to comply. Future nuclear weapon limitation treaties will need to include all three countries, at minimum.

I believe that 4 subs in the Ohio class SSBN have been retired as ballistic missile subs - including the Ohio. They have been converted in to cruise missile launchers (SSGN).

[kylesherman]

Frankly hilarious to even ask the question with a straight face 😂

[ronmaximilian]

Right now, using the JL-3, China can try to replicate the Soviet bastion model of having their ballistic missile submarines in areas that are difficult for American submarines to operate in. While we often think of the first island chain as encircling China, it also creates an area that they completely dominate. It would be fool hardy to think that the Chinese do not already have or are not planning to lay passive and active sensors at different heights along the entrances to this area, especially around choke points.
They also have anti-submarine warfare aircraft and helicopters. They have dozens of frigates and our building newer classes.
Quiet submarines are very well protected against passive sonar, which are listening devices. As long as the submarine is as quiet or quieter than the surrounding water, they are quite safe from this. But there are other ways of detecting submarines. There is active sonar, which can use short range high frequency, or longer range low frequency sonar sets. Submarines are made of metal and unless properly coated or demagnetized, they can be detected through a magnetic anomaly detector. Finally, there is some conjecture that submarines can be detected by using a laser beam to constantly monitor the surface of the water. No matter how deeply It is operating, a 20, 000 or even 10, 000 ton submarine is going to displace water.
The British and Germans are starting to design submarines to be stealthy against active sonar. I hope that the Columbia class and our next attack submarine class will likewise make use of stealthy hull technology.

[Joggly]

Meanwhile in Australia we sell our Ports to China to help pay for submarines to protect us from china …

[nostradamus]

What's most dangerous to US SSN are Chinese AIP SSK armed with 50+ knots YU-10 torpedo (comparable to MK48 lastest variant). These subs are virtual silent and undetectable as they lay in ambush. As for SSBN the next gen 096 will soon be launched with pump jet and electric drive.

[riverman]

10 seconds in i knew what submarine would win this.

[aurorajones]

Personally if i had any control id arm sound emitters to all my subs of various frequency/modulation only to then turn off in case of war. That way your enemy is "tracking" you in peace time thinking they know everything.

[salvadorcarbajal]

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[qaz]

Kinda strange that the biggest nation does not have the biggest fleet. Hope that changes soon