U.S. Department of Defense issued a 92-page report on the status and prospects of China\’s armed forces, said mil.news.sina.com.cn with reference to the Japanese media. It is a development of similar studies from the Pentagon in 2010 the Research Center of NASA by the Chinese Air Force in 2010 the Office of Naval Intelligence from 2007 and 2009.
In particular, the report pays great attention to the development prospects of China\’s navy. Currently, three-class SSBN «Jin» introduced to the fleet, two more are in various stages of construction. Boats equipped with new solid-fuel SLBM «Tszyulan-2» with a range of 7400 km. With the adoption of these weapons on missiles the PLA Navy creates a robust system of sea-based nuclear deterrent.
In addition, China has two Type 093 attack submarines and is building two more submarines of this class. It is planned to be commissioned in five boats. In the next 10 years, China may start building a series of low-noise submarines type 095 with the possibility of attacks on ground targets.
The number of non-nuclear submarines of class «Yuan» with airindependent propulsion can reach 20 units. These submarines will greatly enhance the combat capability and offensive capabilities of the Chinese navy.
More attention is given to the deployment of anti-ballistic missile DF-21 with a range of over 1500 km, which are capable of destroying naval targets, including aircraft carriers, in the western Pacific Ocean. The first rockets of this type entered service in 2010. It also reported that China launched the largest network of anti-aircraft missiles long range.
However, it is noted that the Chinese Navy continues to have weaknesses, including underdeveloped network of anti-submarine warfare, there is lack of qualified personnel and disadvantages of centralized management of naval forces, Military Observer reported.