The post, dated Aug 2, 2026, calls on the forthcoming Pentagon China Military Power report to resolve whether a recent Chinese submarine-launched ballistic missile test involved a JL-2 or the newer JL-3, arguing the difference is important. It links to an SCMP story that says the JL-3’s test was the first sub-based missile launch in over 40 years, highlighting renewed attention on China’s SLBM modernization.
Author @dennisw5 urges the next Pentagon China Military Power report (expected after Aug 2, 2026) to clarify whether a recent Chinese submarine-launched ballistic missile test was a JL-2 or the newer JL-3, stating the distinction “matters.”
I hope the next Pentagon China Military Power report will solve the mystery of whether this was a JL-2 or JL-3 test. It matters.
Why China’s JL-3 made waves with first sub-based missile test in over 40 years
sc.mp/gk1uv?utm_source=twitt… via @scmpnews