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China China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
JL-3
China's next-generation submarine-launched ballistic missile for Type 094/096 SSBNs, extending the reach of the sea-based deterrent.
In service since 2022
Compiled from public sources ·primary reference ↗ ·last verified 2026-07-03
Procurement snapshot
Availability & export
Chinese state channel
State export agencies (NORINCO/CATIC); limited availability to Western-aligned states.
Channel: State export agency
Fielded & proven
Operator data not public
In service since 2022. Status: active.
Lifecycle cost (est.)
No public unit price to model from. Why so few systems publish one →
Interoperability
No standardised NATO calibre / datalink detected in public specs.
Derived guidance from public data, export regime by country of origin, lifecycle from the GAO ~30% acquisition rule. Verify eligibility, pricing and offsets with the manufacturer and your acquisition authority.
Overview
The JL-3 extends the range of China's sea-based nuclear deterrent, fielded aboard Type 094 and future Type 096 ballistic-missile submarines. Caveat: figures are Western-intelligence-estimated, China does not publish official specifications.
Full specifications
Performance
Speed, range, altitude and engagement capability.
| Range Maximum distance: ferry range for aircraft, operational range for vehicles, maximum engagement distance for missiles. Higher means more standoff or persistence. | 10,000 km |
|---|
Firepower
Armament, payload and guidance.
| Warhead type Blast-fragmentation, shaped charge (HEAT), penetrator, thermobaric or nuclear-capable. | MIRV-capable (estimated 3) |
|---|---|
| Guidance How the weapon finds its target: inertial, GPS/GLONASS, active/semi-active radar, infrared, laser, TV, wire. | Astro-inertial, BeiDou satellite navigation |
Propulsion
Engine, power and fuel.
| Engine Powerplant model and type. | Three-stage solid-fuel rocket |
|---|---|
| Propulsion type Turbofan, turboshaft, diesel, gas turbine, solid-fuel rocket, ramjet… | 3-stage solid |
Specifications compiled from public China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and reference sources ↗. Published defense figures are approximations, treat comparisons as directional. Last verified 2026-07-03.
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Lockheed Martin UGM-133A Trident II D5 Frequently asked questions
What is the range of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) JL-3? +
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) JL-3 has a maximum range of 10,000 km.
What engine does the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) JL-3 use? +
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) JL-3 is powered by the Three-stage solid-fuel rocket.
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