China now building nuclear submarines faster than US - is Washington losing its undersea edge?
The development marks a notable shift from the 2016 to 2020 period, when China added just three submarines with a combined displacement of 23,000 tonnes, while the US brought seven new submarines into service totalling 55,500 tonnes, according to IISS data. The figures reflect vessels launched rather than fully completed and deployed. Despite China’s recent surge, the US retains a significant overall advantage in operational nuclear submarines.
The development marks a notable shift from the 2016 to 2020 period, when China added just three submarines with a combined displacement of 23,000 tonnes, while the US brought seven new submarines into service totalling 55,500 tonnes, according to IISS data. The figures reflect vessels launched rather than fully completed and deployed. Despite China’s recent surge, the US retains a significant overall advantage in operational nuclear submarines.
