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Melbourne Village Today
By the People, for the People
China Surpasses US in Nuclear Submarine Production
New report finds China launched 10 nuclear subs from 2021-2025, outpacing the US
Feb. 24, 2026 at 6:47pm
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According to a new report by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), China has rapidly expanded its nuclear-powered submarine fleet in recent years, launching 10 submarines with an estimated displacement of 79,000 tonnes between 2021 and 2025. This surpasses the rate of submarine production in the US, which launched seven boats displacing 55,000 tonnes during the same period.
Why it matters
The increase in Chinese submarine numbers will present a growing challenge for Western countries, despite the continued qualitative differences between Chinese submarines and US and European designs. This development is part of China's efforts to build up its nuclear triad and strengthen its naval capabilities in the Western Pacific.
The details
The report found that China's submarine production surge was enabled by an expansion of the Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co (BSHIC) shipyard in Huludao between 2019 and 2022, which saw the construction of a second submarine manufacturing hall and other facilities. BSHIC is responsible for building China's fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, including the Type 094 nuclear-armed ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs) and the Type 093B nuclear-powered guided-missile submarines (SSGNs).
- Between 2021 and 2025, China launched 10 submarines with an estimated displacement of 79,000 tonnes.
- During the same period, the US launched 7 submarines displacing 55,000 tonnes.
The players
International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS)
A London-based think tank that conducts research on defense and security issues.
Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co (BSHIC)
The state-owned company responsible for the construction of China's fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
What they’re saying
“Most significantly, this includes the seventh and eighth Type 094 (Jin) nuclear-armed ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs), which come as part of the emergence of Beijing's nuclear triad.”
— Henry Boyd, Senior Fellow for Military Capability and Data Assessment
“Allowing for additional boats either on deterrence patrol or under cover for refit during this period, it is almost certainly the case that China has launched a seventh and eighth Type-094 in 2024 and 2025, respectively.”
— Tom Waldyn, Research Fellow for Defence Procurement
What’s next
The report suggests that China's increased submarine production capacity will present a growing challenge for Western countries, as they work to maintain their qualitative edge in submarine technology and capabilities.
The takeaway
China's rapid expansion of its nuclear-powered submarine fleet, outpacing the US, is a significant development that reflects the country's efforts to bolster its naval power and nuclear deterrence in the Western Pacific region.
