The Chinese nuclear submarine of project 094 went on long-range patrol with a statement from the crew about the readiness to launch nuclear missiles

 Chinese state media recently published rare footage of a Project 094 nuclear submarine (Jin class) with ballistic missiles going on long-range combat patrol. The submarine left the Longpo Naval Base on Hainan Island, a heavily fortified underground facility where the bulk of the Chinese strategic submarine fleet is based.  

During the broadcast, one of the crew members declared his readiness to "without hesitation" launch the boat's nuclear missiles if ordered, which underlines China's determination in matters of strategic deterrence.  

The Project 094 submarine is equipped with 12 JL-2 ballistic missile silos with a range of about 7.2–8 thousand kilometers, which allows it to hit important strategic targets at long distances. This is one of the key components of China's maritime nuclear triad. The boat has a displacement of about 11-12 thousand tons, a length of 135 meters and a crew of 120 people, and its nuclear reactor provides underwater speeds of up to 20-24 knots.  

China is actively developing its underwater nuclear potential: the upgraded version is the 094A project with quieter operation and JL-3 missiles with an increased range of over 10,000 kilometers. The submarine fleet is expected to be updated in the coming years, including the development of new Project 096 submarines.  

The publicity of such displays and the firm position of the crew indicate China's willingness to demonstrate its strategic capabilities and play an important role in the balance of power at the regional and global levels, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.