Sea-based deterrent

The JL-2 submarine-based international ballistic missile's inclusion in the parade made it the second part of the PLA Navy's nuclear-capable platform to be revealed, 35 years after its predecessor, the JL-1, was unveiled at the Oct 1, 1984, parade in Beijing marking the 35th birthday of New China.

Yang said the JL-2 represents China's enhanced capability to launch a nuclear counterattack.

"The combination of land-and sea-based ballistic missiles increases the reliability, survivability and practicability of our strategic nuclear deterrence," he said.

Cui Yiliang, editor-in-chief of industry magazine Modern Ships, echoed Yang's remarks and said a sea-based nuclear deterrent has a higher chance of surviving an adversary's preemptive attack than a land-based missile.

"The British and French militaries now maintain the submarine-launched ballistic missile as their sole nuclear strike platform as they are aware that even though sea-based missiles are less accurate than land-based ones, they are good enough for nuclear retaliation and will deter the enemy," he said.

The JL-1's deterrent capabilities were constrained by its short operational range, but Cui said the JL-2's longer range, better technologies and stronger capacity give the Navy a reliable tool to deliver nuclear warheads.

The military researcher, who asked for anonymity, said a submarine-based missile's range also determines the safety of the nuclear-powered submarine carrying it because short-range launches are riskier than long-range ones.

"The JL-2's extended range will better ensure the safety of the submarine," she said. "Furthermore, its multiwarhead capacity is guarantee of a dependable nuclear counterattack."

In addition to the new ballistic missiles, a new type of cruise missile, the CJ-100, made its maiden public appearance at the parade.

According to the PLA, the CJ-100 has strong penetration capability, high hit accuracy, large coverage and rapid response ability.

Yang said it is an upgraded version of the PLA Rocket Force's CJ-10-series land-attack cruise missile and boasts faster speed and improved flight maneuverability, giving it enhanced strike power.

The anonymous researcher said the CJ-100 is likely to be supersonic and, in conjunction with subsonic missiles, gives the PLA Rocket Force a diversified portfolio of assault weapons.

The YJ-18 and YJ-18A supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles also made their public debuts at the parade. The YJ-18 series is believed to be a world-class family of anti-ship missiles and the most advanced weapons mounted on the PLA Navy's ships and submarines.