Facts
| China/U.S. Designation | JL-1/CSS-N-3 |
| Missile Variants | JL-1A |
| Mobility and Role | Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile |
| Designer/Producer | People’s Republic of China |
| Range | 1,700-2,150km |
| Warhead Type and Weight | Nuclear or Conventional/600kg |
| MIRV and Yield | No MIRV capability/200-300kt |
| Guidance System/Accuracy | Inertial/300-400m CEP |
| Stages/Propellant | Multistage/Solid |
| IOC/Retirement | 1988/Still in service |
| Status/Number of Units | Operational/12 missiles “est” |
Development
The JL-1 is China’s first submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) with a range of 1,700- 2,150 km and carrying a single 200-500 kT nuclear warhead. [1] China’s Type 092/Xia-class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) carries up to 12 JL-1 missiles. The Xia-class is China’s first SSBN and was launched in 1981, commissioned in 1987 and successfully launched its first SLBM in 1988. [2]
Strategic Implications
It is not believed that the Xia-class submarine has ever left Chinese coastal waters due to vulnerabilities related to slow speed, a noisy engine, and an unreliable reactor. [3] The Xia-class underwent a refit from 1995-2000, but it remained vulnerable to antisubmarine warfare platforms. [4] The Xia-class was replaced by Jin-class submarines launched in the 2004-2012 timeframe. With the Xia-class SSBN being removed from service, it is believed only about 15-20 JL-1 missiles remain. [5]
References
[1] “Chinese Ballistic Missile Models.” Nuclear Threat Initiative. July 8, 2015. http://www.nti.org/analysis/articles/chinese-ballistic-missile-models/#JL1.
[2] “Xia Class.” Military-Today. http://www.military-today.com/navy/xia_class.htm.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Lennox, Duncan. “JL-1/-21 (CSS-N-3).” Jane’s Strategic Weapon Systems. August 28, 2012.
