What Happened
Rapid Expansion Of Nuclear-Powered Fleet Presents Growing Challenge
A new report by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) reveals that China has rapidly expanded its nuclear-powered submarine fleet, surpassing the US submarine production rate. The report notes that China launched 10 submarines with an estimated displacement of 79,000 tonnes between 2021 and 2025, including the seventh and eighth Type 094 nuclear-armed ballistic-missile submarines. This expansion is likely to present a growing challenge for western countries, despite the continued qualitative differences in Chinese submarines compared to US and European designs. The report was published by Breaking Defense.