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Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat
National Air Intelligence Center NAIC-1031-0985-98

SLBMs

Russia still maintains a large force of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) equipped with intercontinental range missiles. Although the number of Russian SSBNs is expected to drop considerably over the next 5 years, Russia plans to modernize its force with the addition of a new SLBM (the SS-NX-28) and new BOREY Class ballistic missile submarines.

China currently has a single XIA-Class SSBN which is intended to carry 12 CSS-NX-3 missiles. In addition, the Chinese are designing a new SSBN that will carry the new JL-2 ballistic missile. When deployed in the next decade, this missile will, for the first time, allow Chinese SSBNs to target portions of the United States from operating areas located near the Chinese coast. India is also developing a new SLBM known as the Sagarika, which could become operational late in the next decade.

SS-N-23 TYPHOON SSBN

SS-N-20 DELTA IV SSBN

CSS-NX-3 XIA SSBN

SLBM Characteristics
Missile Country No. of
Stages
Warheads per Missile Booster
Propellant
Submarine
Class
Maximum
Range*
(miles)
Total No.
of Launch
Tubes
SS-N-6 Russia 1 1 Liquid YANKEE I 1,500+ 16
SS-N-8 Russia 2 1 Liquid DELTA I
DELTA II
5,000+ 192
SS-N-18 Russia 2 + PBV 3 Liquid DELTA III 3,500+ 208
SS-N-20 Russia 3 + PBV 10 Solid TYPHOON 5,500+ 120
SS-N-23 Russia 3 + PBV 4 Liquid DELTA IV 5,000+ 112
SS-N-28 Russia 3 + PBV 10 or fewer Solid BOREY * 5,000+ Not yet
deployed
CSS-NX-3 China 2 1 Solid XIA 1,000+ 12: not
yet deployed
JL-2** China 3 1 Solid Undetermined 4,500+ Not yet
deployed
Sagarika** India Undetermined Undetermined Undetermined Undetermined 150+ Not yet
deployed

* Submarine is under construction
** Missile has not yet been flight tested

Note: All ranges are approximate.



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Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat
National Air Intelligence Center NAIC-1031-0985-98