The Type 094 (; Chinese designation: 09-IV; NATO reporting name: Jin class) is a class of ballistic missile submarine developed by China for the People's Liberation Army Navy Submarine Force. The Type 094 succeeds the Type 092 submarine and precedes the Type 096 submarine, which is under development. Background The Type 094 was first spotted in 2006 on commercial satellite imagery of the Xiaopingdao Submarine Base. It was noted as being longer than the Type 092. Two Type 094s were spotted at the Bohai Shipyard in May 2007, although it was not clear if these included the one spotted in 2006. One was operational in 2010, three in 2013, four in 2015, and possibly six in 2020. The chief designer for Type 094 is Zhang Jinlin. The PRC is interested in augmenting its ICBM forces with SSBNs to enhance its comprehensive nuclear deterrent force. Nuclear deterrent patrols commenced in December 2015. Description The Type 094's design is likely based on the Type 093 nuclear attack submarine. It was initially armed with 12 JL-2 SLBMs, each with an estimated range of and carrying one warhead. Launches from near China may reach parts of Alaska. The Type 094 and JL-2 is China's first credible sea-based nuclear deterrent. Thomas-Noone and Medcalf note that the Type 094's noisiness would make it difficult for it to reach and maintain patrol areas where it could strike at the contiguous United States; no such limitations would exist against Indian targets. The Type 094 is noisier than contemporary submarines. In 2004, a Chinese researcher reported that the Type 094 had an acoustic signature of 120 decibels, comparable to the . In 2009, the Office of Naval Intelligence of the United States Navy listed the Type 094 as being noisier than Project 667BDR (NATO reporting name: Delta III) from the late-1970s. By late 2022 the submarines were armed with the JL-3 SLBM. The JL-3 can reach the continental United States from the South China Sea; ranges of over have been reported. Type 094A The Type 094A is a variant with a modified and improved sail. The sail appears to incorporate features from one installed on a modified Type 093. Boats Gallery See also List of submarine classes in service References Notes Sources Submarine classes Ballistic missile submarines Submarines of China Nuclear-powered submarines Nuclear submarines of the Chinese Navy