China surpasses Russia in nuclear-powered submarine fleet

China has overtaken Russia as the world’s second-largest operator of nuclear-powered submarines, according to an updated 2026 assessment. The new figures indicate that China fields an estimated 32 active nuclear submarines, surpassing Russia’s 25–28 operational boats. According to the updated force structure, China currently operates nine Type 093/093A Shang-class attack submarines, which form the core of its nuclear-powered attack fleet. Analysts note that these SSNs represent China’s fully deployed inventory of multi-mission boats.

China has also introduced and is mass-producing the Type 093B SSGN, with approximately 16 hulls assessed, with several already in service and the remainder under construction or undergoing sea trials. This class features vertical launch systems for cruise missiles and reflects China’s transition toward a larger long-range strike fleet.

China’s strategic nuclear force is described as fully operational with nine Type 094/094A Jin-class SSBNs, which deploy the JL-2 and JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missiles. These submarines make up China’s sea-based nuclear deterrent. 

China is also progressing with two next-generation designs. One Type 095 SSN hull is under early assembly, while the first Type 096 SSBN is reported in construction. Both programs are intended to push China into a new generation of low-observable and long-range submarine capabilities. As noted in the assessment, these force levels bring China’s 2026 nuclear submarine fleet to 32 active boats, not including two next-generation hulls in assembly.

This development places China firmly in second place behind the United States and ahead of Russia. For comparison, the Russian Navy is assessed to operate approximately 25–28 active nuclear-powered submarines, spanning both strategic missile boats and multipurpose attack submarines. This figure includes the Borei SSBN fleet and the Yasen/Yasen-M SSGN class, along with older legacy platforms that remain in commission. China is now building the world’s largest series of nuclear-powered strike submarines, pointing to the scale of the Type 093B SSGN production run.

As of the end of 2025, the U.S. Navy operates about 71 nuclear-powered submarines, including approximately 53 fast-attack (SSN) boats, 14 ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) and four guided-missile submarines (SSGN), making it the largest nuclear submarine force in the world.China’s growing fleet of nuclear submarines narrowing that gap affects U.S. naval posture, anti-submarine operations, and undersea force readiness as Washington prepares for a more contested underwater domain led by two nuclear-armed competitors with diverging force trajectories.

Source : Defenseblog         Dylan Malusov