TYPE 092 (XIA CLASS) NUCLEAR-POWERED BALLISTIC MISSILE SUBMARINE

With only a single Type 092 missile submarine, it is not possible for the PLA to establish an effective underwater nuclear strike capability, which requires no less than three submarines to guarantee that at least one of them is ready to launch at any time. Nevertheless, the Type 092 programme provided the PLA with invaluable knowledge and experience in the design and construction of the nuclear-powered missile submarine.