Chinese Next-Generation SLBM 'JL-3' Development Team Selected as Candidate for National Innovation Excellence Award

Range of 12,000 km, Capable of Striking US Mainland from South China Sea
China's Next-Generation Nuclear Submarine Type 096 Expected to Be Equipped by 2025

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Young-shin] The development team of the submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) 'JL-3' has been included as a candidate for the China National Innovation Excellence Award, according to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 13th.

SCMP reported that although Chinese military authorities have never officially confirmed the development of the JL-3, the Chinese Navy conducted two tests of this missile in 2018 and 2019. The JL-3 is known as a third-generation SLBM with a range exceeding 12,000 km. It is capable of striking the US mainland from the South China Sea. The existing JL-2 has a range of only 7,400 km.

SCMP explained that the third-generation SLBM is expected to be mounted on China's next-generation nuclear submarine (Type 096). The newspaper added that the Type 096 is likely to be deployed in active service by 2025. Besides this, SCMP introduced that research teams related to space, including those developing hypersonic pre-cooling aerospace engines and space station docking systems, have also been nominated for the National Innovation Excellence Award.

The hypersonic engine can reach speeds of Mach 5 and can be applied to spacecraft and missiles. SCMP noted that it is unclear how much progress has been made with this engine, but the nomination suggests that meaningful research has been conducted. SCMP also reported that the space station docking system research team is being recognized for their achievements. The newspaper explained that it normally takes 2 to 3 days for a spacecraft to dock with a space station moving at a speed of 7.9 km/s. The research team has developed a system that can reduce the docking time to 6 hours.

Established for the first time in 2017, the China National Innovation Excellence Award selects recipients every three years. The BeiDou satellite system, Long March 5 rocket, and integrated electric system research team for warships were named as the inaugural recipients.