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

Several performance figures for China-origin systems are manufacturer or state claims with limited independent verification. Treat these specs as directional, not tested values.

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.

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

Stronger than 31% of its class

Firepower

Armament, payload and guidance.

Warhead type Blast-fragmentation, shaped charge (HEAT), penetrator, thermobaric or nuclear-capable.: MIRV-capable (estimated 3)

Propulsion

Engine, power and fuel.

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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