China's Nuclear Sub Production Outpaces US
China's production of nuclear submarines is now outpacing that of the United States, according to a new report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The findings are expected to have significant implications for future U.S. defense budgets and naval procurement priorities as the Pentagon addresses the shifting undersea balance of power.
- Between 2021 and 2025, China launched 10 nuclear-powered submarines with an estimated combined displacement of 79,000 tonnes, while the U.S. launched seven boats displacing 55,000 tonnes. This production increase is largely attributed to the expansion of China's Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co. (BSHIC) shipyard in Huludao, which added a new, larger construction hall between 2019 and 2022. - China's recent launches include its seventh and eighth Type 094 *Jin*-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), a key component of its emerging nuclear triad. It has also launched a new variant of its nuclear-powered attack submarine, the Type 093B *Shang III*, which is reportedly fitted with a vertical launch system (VLS) for guided missiles. - While outpacing China in total operational nuclear submarines with 65 to China's 12 as of early 2025, the U.S. faces significant production delays. The U.S. Navy's goal to build two *Virginia*-class attack submarines per year has not been met, with the delivery rate falling to about 1.1 to 1.2 boats annually due to workforce shortages and supply chain problems. - The U.S. Navy's top priority, the new *Columbia*-class ballistic missile submarine program, is also experiencing delays. The lead boat, the USS *District of Columbia* (SSBN-826), is projected to be 12 to 16 months behind schedule, with delivery pushed back to 2028. - Despite China's increased quantity, U.S. submarines are considered technologically superior and are significantly larger, making them more complex to build. For example, a single U.S. *Columbia*-class SSBN has a submerged displacement of 20,810 tons, substantially more than China's current submarine classes. - The U.S. Navy's goal is to achieve a production rate of one *Columbia*-class and two *Virginia*-class submarines per year by 2028. In contrast, based on satellite imagery, China may have already achieved a "1+2" production rate in 2024 and 2025, launching one Type 094 SSBN and two Type 093B SSGNs each year.
