The JL-2 (Chinese: 巨浪-2; pinyin: Jù Làng Èr; lit. 'Giant Wave 2', NATO reporting name CSS-N-14) is a Chinese second-generation intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) deployed on the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) Type 094 submarines. The JL-2 provides China with its first viable sea-based nuclear deterrent.
== Development == The JL-2 was developed as part of a larger program to replace the liquid-fuelled ballistic missiles developed from 1965 with solid-fuelled missiles. The JL-2 was the SLBM variant of the land-based DF-31. Development of both missiles began in the mid-1980s, with the SLBM having less priority. The first JL-2 at-sea launch occurred in 2001 from a Type 031 submarine. The missile suffered a series of testing failures. A successful test cycle was achieved in 2012. During the development of the missile, it was reported that China was considering modifying the missile to accommodate an anti-satellite warhead to give it a sea-based anti-satellite capability. Type 094 deterrence patrols with JL-2 missiles began in December 2015. Each submarine may carry 12 missiles.
== Description == The JL-2 is a three-stage, solid-fueled missile, with a maximum range of 3,900 nmi (7,200 km). It carries a single 1 megaton warhead. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the missile may carry 3-8 MIRVs with yields of 20, 90, or 150 kilotons.
References
== Sources == Descisciolo, Dominic (2005). "China's Space Development and Nuclear Strategy". In Goldstein, Lyle J. (ed.). China's Nuclear Force Modernization. Newport Papers. Naval War College Press. ISSN 1544-6824. Logan, David C. (2019). "Making Sense of China's Missile Forces". In Saunders, Phillip C.; Ding, Arthur S.; Scobell, Andrew; Yang, Andrew N.D.; Joel, Wuthnow (eds.). Chairman Xi Remakes the PLA: Assessing Chinese Military Reforms. Washington, D.C.: National Defense University Press. ISBN 978-1070233420. Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2024 (PDF) (Report). United States Department of Defense. 2024. Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat (PDF) (Report). United States National Air and Space Intelligence Center. July 2020.
== External links == JL-2 from Mark Wade's Encyclopedia Astronautica