China has surpassed America in nuclear submarine launches for the first time, launching 10 advanced vessels to the US’s 7 from 2021-2025, posing a direct threat to President Trump’s efforts to restore American naval dominance.
Story Highlights
- China launched 10 nuclear-powered submarines (79,000 tonnes) vs. US’s 7 (55,000 tonnes) between 2021-2025, per IISS February 2026 report.
- Huludao shipyard expansions since 2019 enable parallel production of nuclear-armed Type 094 SSBNs and Type 093B SSGNs.
- US submarine fleet ages amid delays in Columbia-class SSBNs until 2028, risking a “looming crisis” in undersea superiority.
- Beijing completes nuclear triad, boosting Pacific power projection despite noisier, less advanced subs.
- President Trump’s America First policies demand urgent industrial revival to counter China’s quantitative surge.
China’s Production Surge Outpaces US
Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co in Huludao expanded from 2019-2022 with a second manufacturing hall, enabling China to launch 10 nuclear-powered submarines between 2021 and 2025. These include the seventh and eighth Type 094 Jin-class ballistic-missile submarines in 2024-2025 and nine Type 093B Shang III guided-missile submarines. Total displacement reached 79,000 tonnes, exceeding the US’s seven launches at 55,000 tonnes. Satellite imagery in early 2026 confirmed six Type 094s at sites, with IISS inferring more hidden launches. This marks China’s first exceedance of US production rates.
Historical Buildup and Strategic Motivations
China’s nuclear submarine program began in the 1970s with Type 091 Han-class attack submarines, evolving to Type 093 and 094 in the 2010s. Bohai Shipyard, the sole nuclear sub builder, rebuilt over two decades to shift from diesel-electric fleets. The 2010s saw noisier Type 093A Shang II deployments. Recent Huludao expansions allow parallel production, completing Beijing’s nuclear triad alongside land ICBMs and bombers. People’s Liberation Army Navy drives this for nuclear deterrence, blue-water expansion, and regional dominance in Pacific and Indian Oceans.
US Faces Aging Fleet and Delays
America maintains 63 active nuclear submarines against China’s approximately 16, including reserves. US Navy grapples with retirements and delays; Virginia-class attack submarines continue until Columbia-class SSBNs launch around 2028. AUKUS pact faces hurdles, contrasting China’s state-controlled rapid output. IISS analysts Henry Boyd and Tom Waldwyn highlight this as a growing challenge to Western naval superiority. US industrial base lags due to lifecycle differences, with mixed SSBN/SSGN production versus America’s SSN focus.
Early 2026 developments include the lead Type 095 Sui-class SSN launch and reports of Type 09V SSGN with hypersonic vertical launch systems. Huludao supports ongoing Type 093B and 094 builds, eyeing Type 096 SSBNs in the 2030s.
Implications Demand America First Response
Short-term, China extends reach into Pacific and Indian Oceans, pressuring Japan, India, and South Korea. Long-term, quantity gains enhance the triad, straining US tracking despite Chinese subs’ higher noise levels limiting stealth. US faces budget pressures for undersea investments amid shipbuilding delays. Experts like Forecast International note China starts from behind but closes gaps; Popular Mechanics calls it troubling for US Asian dominance. President Trump’s administration must revive the industrial base to maintain qualitative edges in Virginia and Ohio-class subs, securing national security.
Sources:
China building more nuclear subs than America: IISS report
Production and power: China outpaces U.S. in nuclear submarine construction
US must invest in undersea defense as China advances
