The JL-2 (, NATO reporting name CSS-N-14) is a Chinese second-generation intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) deployed on the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) Type 094 submarines. It succeeds the JL-1 SLBM deployed on the Type 092 submarine. The JL-2 provides China with its first viable sea-based nuclear deterrent.

Development

The JL-2 is a naval variant of the land-based DF-31. Their common 2-metre diameter solid fuel rocket motor was successfully tested in late 1983, and research and development efforts were reorganized starting in 1985 to produce both missiles. The first JL-2 at-sea launch occurred in 2001 from a Type 031 submarine. The program was delayed after a failed test in 2004. Successful launches occurred in 2005 and 2008. The missile was successfully fired from a Type 094 submarine, the intended operational platform, for the first time in 2009. A series of test launches occurred in 2012. During the development of the missile, it was reported that China was considering modifying the missile to accommodate an anti-satellite warhead to give it a sea-based anti-satellite capability. Type 094 deterrence patrols with JL-2 missiles began in December 2015. , 48 JL-2 launchers are deployed on submarines.

Description

The JL-2 is a three-stage, solid-fueled missile, with a maximum range of 7200 km. Its payload is a single 1 Megaton warhead or 3-8 MIRVs with yields of 20, 90, or 150kt.

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