JL-2 Missile

The JL-2 is a Chinese second-generation, intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missile that gave China its first credible sea-based nuclear deterrent. Development began in the mid-1980s, with a first at-sea launch in 2001 and successful testing completed by 2012, and deterrence patrols carrying the missile began in December 2015. It is a three-stage, solid-fuel missile with a range of about 7,200 kilometers, carried aboard Type 094 submarines with up to twelve missiles per boat, and can be fitted with a single one-megaton warhead or several smaller multiple warheads.