China's newest class of submarines is getting long-range missiles special upgrade for the first time.
The head of U.S. Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Locklear III, told Congress that the ballistic missiles on China's newest submarines would have an estimated range of 4,000 nautical miles.
According to the Washington Times, Admiral Locklear told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the up gradation will give China its first credible sea-based nuclear deterrent, probably before the end of 2014.
He added that China's advance in submarine capabilities is significant, as they possess a large and increasingly capable submarine force.
The head of the U.S. Pacific fleet said that within the next decade China would possess 60 to 70 submarines, with its JIN-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines armed with new JL-2 missiles, the report added.
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