| Julang-2 (JL-2) | |
| Origin: | People's Republic of China |
| Type: | SLBM |
| Is Missile: | yes |
| Service: | Active as of 2015[1] |
| Used By: | People's Liberation Army Navy |
| Weight: | 42000kg (93,000lb)[2] |
| Length: | 13m (43feet) |
| Filling: | single[3] or 1-3 MIRV[4] or 3-8 MIRV nuclear warhead |
| Yield: | 1MtonTNT single,[5] or 1-3 MIRV 20/90/150kt |
| Propellant: | Solid-fuel rocket |
| Vehicle Range: | 7200km (4,500miles)[6] |
| Guidance: | Astro-inertial with Beidou |
| Launch Platform: | Type 094 submarine |
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.[7]
The JL-2 provides China with its first viable sea-based nuclear deterrent.[7]
The JL-2 is a naval variant of the land-based DF-31.[8] [9] Their common 2-metre diameter solid fuel rocket motor was successfully tested in late 1983,[8] and research and development efforts were reorganized starting in 1985 to produce both missiles.[9]
The first JL-2 at-sea launch occurred in 2001 from a Type 031 submarine.[8] [9] The program was delayed after a failed test in 2004.[8] 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.[8] A series of test launches occurred in 2012.[10]
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.[11]
Type 094 deterrence patrols with JL-2 missiles began in December 2015.[1]
, 48 JL-2 launchers are deployed on submarines.[3]
The JL-2 is a three-stage, solid-fueled missile,[3] with a maximum range of 7200km (4,500miles).[6] Its payload is a single[3] 1 Megaton warhead[5] or 3-8 MIRVs with yields of 20, 90, or 150kt.[2]