**China’s Submarine Fleet Rapidly Closing the Gap, Eroding U.S. Navy’s Technological Edge**
*National Security Journal* | November 15, 2025 | By Michael Peck
A new Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) report warns that China’s submarine fleet is rapidly “closing the gap” qualitatively and “eroding” the technological edge of the U.S. Navy.
Currently, China operates six Type 093 nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), which are considered “noisy” and comparable in stealth capability to the Soviet-era Victor III submarines of the 1970s. However, the upcoming Type 095 SSN is expected to be a significant upgrade. This new class will be much larger, at approximately 11,000 tons, and considerably quieter, utilizing advanced Russian reactor designs to enhance stealth and operational endurance.
In addition, China is developing the Type 096 ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), which will be nearly the size of the U.S. Ohio-class SSBN, at about 15,000 tons. This new submarine will be armed with 24 JL-3 missiles, each boasting a range of 6,000 miles. This capability will allow China to strike targets within the continental United States from the relative safety of Chinese-controlled bastions in the Pacific.
The RUSI report highlights that China’s advancements in submarine technology and strategic capabilities present a growing challenge to U.S. naval dominance. This raises important questions about whether the United States can produce enough advanced submarines to effectively counter China’s expanding undersea fleet.
*Read the full report at nationalsecurityjournal.org.*
—
**Topics:** Government, History, Military/Veterans, Politics
**Keywords:** China, Navy, Submarines, US Navy
—
*Disclaimer:* Opinions posted here are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Free Republic or its management. All materials are protected by copyright.
—
**Support Free Republic**
– [Donate by Credit Card](#)
– [Donate by PayPal](#)
– Or mail donations to:
Free Republic, LLC
PO Box 9771
Fresno, CA 93794
Thank you very much, and God bless you.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/4352675/posts