Max The Boss
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The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is the naval branch of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the military of the People's Republic of China. PLAN has undergone rapid modernization. With a personnel strength of over 250,000, the PLAN also includes the 35,000 strong Coastal Defense Force and the 56,000 man Naval infantry/Marines, plus a 56,000 PLAN Aviation naval air arm operating several hundred land based aircraft and ship-based helicopters. As part of its overall program of naval modernization, the PLAN has a plan of developing a blue-water navy.
At the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the PLAN, 52 vessels were shown in maneuvers off Qingdao in April 2009 including previously unseen nuclear submarines. The demonstration was seen as a sign of the growing superpower status of China. Modernizing the fleet into a blue water navy will also provide better power projection in not only the region but globally in the 21st century.
The future PLAN fleet will be composed of a balance of assets aimed at maximizing the PLAN's fighting effectiveness. On the high end, there would be modern destroyers equipped with long range air defense missiles (Type 052B, Type 052C, Type 051C); destroyers armed with supersonic anti-ship missiles (Sovremenny class); advanced nuclear powered attack and ballistic missile submarines (Type 093, Type 094); advanced conventional attack submarines (Kilo and Yuan); aircraft carriers and large amphibious warfare vessels capable mobilizing troops at long distances. On the medium and low end, there would be more economical yet multi-role capable frigates and destroyers (upgraded Luda, Luhu, Jiangwei II, Jiangkai); fast littoral missile attack craft (Houjian, Houxin, Houbei); various landing ships and light craft; conventionally powered coastal patrol submarines (Song).
Submarines play a huge role in the development of the PLAN's future fleet. This is made evident by the construction of a new type of nuclear ballistic missile submarine, the Type 094 and the Type 093 nuclear attack submarine. This will provide them with a more modern response for the need of a seaborne nuclear deterrent. The new submarine will also be capable of performing conventional strike and other special warfare requirements. The new attack submarine force has shown their potency and will grow more effective as the PLAN acquire new submarines from Russia and/or develop their own.
There had been speculation about the PLAN building or acquiring an aircraft carrier, but on March 23 2009 China's defense minister, Liang Guanglie, confirmed the country's plans to build its own aircraft carriers.
2 - Aircraft Carriers (expected in 2015) In early 2009 there have been foreign reports that China building two 50,000-60,000 ton aircraft carriers due to be finished by 2015. In 2009, for the first time, official Chinese state media quoted Defense Minister Liang Guanglie stating China's intention to build aircraft carriers.
26 - Destroyers (In service)
51 - Frigates (In service)
132 - Missile Boats (In service)
20 - Torpedo Boats (20 in service, 150 in reserve)
160 - Gun Boats (In service)
75 - Submarine Chasers - (In service)
1 - Landing Platforms - (In service)
83 - Landing Ships - (In service)
480 - Landing Craft - (In service)
27 - Mine Warfare Ships (27 in service, 42 in reserve)
4 - Mine Warfare Drones (4 in service, 26 in reserve)
3 - Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarines - (In service)
5 - Nuclear Attack Submarines - (5 in service, 2 in reserve)
1 - Conventional Ballistic Missile Submarines - (In service)
47 - Conventional Attack Submarines - (47 in service, 1 in reserve)
The People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF) is the naval aviation branch of the People's Liberation Army Navy.
The PLANAF has 25,000 personnel and roughly 800 aircraft under the navy's command. This is a considerably large naval aviation force considering the lack of aircraft carriers. It operates similar aircraft to the air force, including fighters, bombers, strike aircraft, tankers, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, maritime patrol, seaplane, transport, training and helicopter types. Advancements in new technologies, weaponry and aircraft acquisition were made after 2000. The modern day PLANAF is capable of performing a number of roles, and is quite numerically and technologically adept in anti-ship and air defense operations.
For fighter missions the PLANAF operates the J-7E, J-8II and Su-30 MK2. The J-7E is a much improved design based on the original MiG-21. With new double delta wings and the PL-8 AAM, the J-7E is quite an effective dogfighter. The J-8II is an indigenous fighter with a nose mounted radar and capable of high speed high altitude interceptions. These fighters are capable of being in-flight refueled by the navy's own H-6DU tankers.
Strike and anti-ship attacks are carried out by the Q-5, JH-7, Su-30MK2 and H-6. The Q-5 was a design based on the J-6, but with provision for nose radar. It has become the premiere light nuclear attack aircraft of the PLANAF. Around 40 Q-5s are in service with the PLANAF. These are believed to be of the modified model that has a modified nose. These nuclear naval strike variants carried a search radar. Main armament were air dropped torpedoes and rockets, though it was believed these special Q-5s were capable of carrying one YJ8 air launched anti-ship missile. The JH-7 was an indigenous, supersonic, heavy nuclear attack aircraft with a crew of two. Its general performance and weapons delivery capability is thought to be comparable to early models of Panavia Tornado. The JH-7 was subsequently improved to the JH-7A, capable of carrying a variety of advanced Chinese and Russian precision munitions as well as anti-ship missiles. The JH-7 can be armed with the YJ82 improved air launched missile, or the Russian KH-31 ram jet anti-ship missile. The most recent acquisition of the PLANAF was a batch of 24 Su-30MK2. These aircraft are highly advanced and improved variants of the Su-30MKK. The primary difference between the naval variant and the air force is that the MK2 has longer range search radar that could detect and attack surface ship targets with advanced long range missiles. Chinese H-6 variants in the navy include the H-6D that specializes in carrying two anti-ship missiles. The PLANAF is believed to operate a much improved model, capable of launching the more advanced YJ-62 and YJ-8 series anti-ship missiles.
For maritime patrol, the PLANAF has the Y-8MPA, Y-8J and Harbin SH-5 sea plane. The Y-8MPA is based on the Y-8 heavy transport aircraft. Although it carries no weapons, the Y-8MPA has a vast array of electronics and sensors that could detect surface ships, aircraft or submarines. The Y-8J is the Y-8 fitted with one of six (or eight) British Sky master long range detection radars. These Y-8Js serve as AWACS to direct aircraft into interception, as well as providing target coverage for the PLAN combatants. The Harbin SH-5 sea plane is capable of patrol, rescue and anti-submarine warfare. For the latter role, the aircraft can carry a large payload of torpedoes and depth bombs.
Helicopters are an important asset aboard Chinese surface combatants. With over 30 surface warships and numerous auxiliaries capable of facilitating a helicopter, it is surprising that the PLANAF operates small numbers of ship-borne helicopters. Over the years, the PLANAF has operated the Changhe Z-8 , Harbin Z-9 and Russian Ka-28 Helix. The Changhe Z-8 is the largest helicopter built in China yet, which is largely similar to the French Super Frelon design. The Z-8 is most efficient in auxiliary roles in the PLAN, such as towing mine clearing systems, vertical in-flight refueling of smaller ships, and supporting the Chinese submarine fleet. The Z-8 is also quite capable of carrying out attacks on submarines using dipping sonar and torpedo, and attacks against surface ships using the YJ-82 missile.
The Z-9C and the French AS 565 have become standard helicopters for PLAN surface combatants. The French delivered eight AS 565N Dauphins to the PLANAF in the late 1980s to equip China's latest escorts. The Z-9C is an indigenous version of the AS 565. Numbers have not been confirmed, but around 25 are credited to be in service. The Z-9C is a multi role medium sized helicopter capable of ASW, SAR and surface targeting roles. With the purchase of the Russian Sovremenny class destroyers, the Ka-28 Helix was also imported. This is the export version of the Ka-27, the standard ship borne helicopter for the Russian Navy. The Ka-28 is vastly superior to the Z-9C and Z-8 in performance, and is expected to be the new standard helicopter for future Chinese destroyers and frigates. Eight Ka-28s were delivered so far (with four ASW and four SAR variants) to form a training regiment. More have since been delivered.
In addition PLANAF would undergo significant change once China's first aircraft carriers is fully operational. Near the end of October 2006, Russias Kommersant newspaper revealed that Russian state-run weapon exporter Rosoboronexport is completing negotiations with China to deliver up to 24 Sukhoi Su-33 carrier capable fighter aircraft in a purchase deal reportedly worth $2.5 billion. China has expressed interest and is presently in negotiations to acquire these aircrafts, plus setting up a program to train naval air cadets, seems to be adding more credibility to the latest news.
PLAN Weapons Systems
The current quality and capability of PLAN weaponry has improved significantly, closing the gaps between PLAN obsolescence and Western standards. Future PLAN weapon systems could include land attack cruise missiles, stealthy hypersonic missiles, armed ship launched UAVs, anti radiation missiles, and land based anti-ship ballistic missiles, EMP bombs, long range artillery systems, super-speed torpedoes and ever improved mines.
At the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the PLAN, 52 vessels were shown in maneuvers off Qingdao in April 2009 including previously unseen nuclear submarines. The demonstration was seen as a sign of the growing superpower status of China. Modernizing the fleet into a blue water navy will also provide better power projection in not only the region but globally in the 21st century.
The future PLAN fleet will be composed of a balance of assets aimed at maximizing the PLAN's fighting effectiveness. On the high end, there would be modern destroyers equipped with long range air defense missiles (Type 052B, Type 052C, Type 051C); destroyers armed with supersonic anti-ship missiles (Sovremenny class); advanced nuclear powered attack and ballistic missile submarines (Type 093, Type 094); advanced conventional attack submarines (Kilo and Yuan); aircraft carriers and large amphibious warfare vessels capable mobilizing troops at long distances. On the medium and low end, there would be more economical yet multi-role capable frigates and destroyers (upgraded Luda, Luhu, Jiangwei II, Jiangkai); fast littoral missile attack craft (Houjian, Houxin, Houbei); various landing ships and light craft; conventionally powered coastal patrol submarines (Song).
Submarines play a huge role in the development of the PLAN's future fleet. This is made evident by the construction of a new type of nuclear ballistic missile submarine, the Type 094 and the Type 093 nuclear attack submarine. This will provide them with a more modern response for the need of a seaborne nuclear deterrent. The new submarine will also be capable of performing conventional strike and other special warfare requirements. The new attack submarine force has shown their potency and will grow more effective as the PLAN acquire new submarines from Russia and/or develop their own.
There had been speculation about the PLAN building or acquiring an aircraft carrier, but on March 23 2009 China's defense minister, Liang Guanglie, confirmed the country's plans to build its own aircraft carriers.
2 - Aircraft Carriers (expected in 2015) In early 2009 there have been foreign reports that China building two 50,000-60,000 ton aircraft carriers due to be finished by 2015. In 2009, for the first time, official Chinese state media quoted Defense Minister Liang Guanglie stating China's intention to build aircraft carriers.
26 - Destroyers (In service)
51 - Frigates (In service)
132 - Missile Boats (In service)
20 - Torpedo Boats (20 in service, 150 in reserve)
160 - Gun Boats (In service)
75 - Submarine Chasers - (In service)
1 - Landing Platforms - (In service)
83 - Landing Ships - (In service)
480 - Landing Craft - (In service)
27 - Mine Warfare Ships (27 in service, 42 in reserve)
4 - Mine Warfare Drones (4 in service, 26 in reserve)
3 - Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarines - (In service)
5 - Nuclear Attack Submarines - (5 in service, 2 in reserve)
1 - Conventional Ballistic Missile Submarines - (In service)
47 - Conventional Attack Submarines - (47 in service, 1 in reserve)
The People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF) is the naval aviation branch of the People's Liberation Army Navy.
The PLANAF has 25,000 personnel and roughly 800 aircraft under the navy's command. This is a considerably large naval aviation force considering the lack of aircraft carriers. It operates similar aircraft to the air force, including fighters, bombers, strike aircraft, tankers, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, maritime patrol, seaplane, transport, training and helicopter types. Advancements in new technologies, weaponry and aircraft acquisition were made after 2000. The modern day PLANAF is capable of performing a number of roles, and is quite numerically and technologically adept in anti-ship and air defense operations.
For fighter missions the PLANAF operates the J-7E, J-8II and Su-30 MK2. The J-7E is a much improved design based on the original MiG-21. With new double delta wings and the PL-8 AAM, the J-7E is quite an effective dogfighter. The J-8II is an indigenous fighter with a nose mounted radar and capable of high speed high altitude interceptions. These fighters are capable of being in-flight refueled by the navy's own H-6DU tankers.
Strike and anti-ship attacks are carried out by the Q-5, JH-7, Su-30MK2 and H-6. The Q-5 was a design based on the J-6, but with provision for nose radar. It has become the premiere light nuclear attack aircraft of the PLANAF. Around 40 Q-5s are in service with the PLANAF. These are believed to be of the modified model that has a modified nose. These nuclear naval strike variants carried a search radar. Main armament were air dropped torpedoes and rockets, though it was believed these special Q-5s were capable of carrying one YJ8 air launched anti-ship missile. The JH-7 was an indigenous, supersonic, heavy nuclear attack aircraft with a crew of two. Its general performance and weapons delivery capability is thought to be comparable to early models of Panavia Tornado. The JH-7 was subsequently improved to the JH-7A, capable of carrying a variety of advanced Chinese and Russian precision munitions as well as anti-ship missiles. The JH-7 can be armed with the YJ82 improved air launched missile, or the Russian KH-31 ram jet anti-ship missile. The most recent acquisition of the PLANAF was a batch of 24 Su-30MK2. These aircraft are highly advanced and improved variants of the Su-30MKK. The primary difference between the naval variant and the air force is that the MK2 has longer range search radar that could detect and attack surface ship targets with advanced long range missiles. Chinese H-6 variants in the navy include the H-6D that specializes in carrying two anti-ship missiles. The PLANAF is believed to operate a much improved model, capable of launching the more advanced YJ-62 and YJ-8 series anti-ship missiles.
For maritime patrol, the PLANAF has the Y-8MPA, Y-8J and Harbin SH-5 sea plane. The Y-8MPA is based on the Y-8 heavy transport aircraft. Although it carries no weapons, the Y-8MPA has a vast array of electronics and sensors that could detect surface ships, aircraft or submarines. The Y-8J is the Y-8 fitted with one of six (or eight) British Sky master long range detection radars. These Y-8Js serve as AWACS to direct aircraft into interception, as well as providing target coverage for the PLAN combatants. The Harbin SH-5 sea plane is capable of patrol, rescue and anti-submarine warfare. For the latter role, the aircraft can carry a large payload of torpedoes and depth bombs.
Helicopters are an important asset aboard Chinese surface combatants. With over 30 surface warships and numerous auxiliaries capable of facilitating a helicopter, it is surprising that the PLANAF operates small numbers of ship-borne helicopters. Over the years, the PLANAF has operated the Changhe Z-8 , Harbin Z-9 and Russian Ka-28 Helix. The Changhe Z-8 is the largest helicopter built in China yet, which is largely similar to the French Super Frelon design. The Z-8 is most efficient in auxiliary roles in the PLAN, such as towing mine clearing systems, vertical in-flight refueling of smaller ships, and supporting the Chinese submarine fleet. The Z-8 is also quite capable of carrying out attacks on submarines using dipping sonar and torpedo, and attacks against surface ships using the YJ-82 missile.
The Z-9C and the French AS 565 have become standard helicopters for PLAN surface combatants. The French delivered eight AS 565N Dauphins to the PLANAF in the late 1980s to equip China's latest escorts. The Z-9C is an indigenous version of the AS 565. Numbers have not been confirmed, but around 25 are credited to be in service. The Z-9C is a multi role medium sized helicopter capable of ASW, SAR and surface targeting roles. With the purchase of the Russian Sovremenny class destroyers, the Ka-28 Helix was also imported. This is the export version of the Ka-27, the standard ship borne helicopter for the Russian Navy. The Ka-28 is vastly superior to the Z-9C and Z-8 in performance, and is expected to be the new standard helicopter for future Chinese destroyers and frigates. Eight Ka-28s were delivered so far (with four ASW and four SAR variants) to form a training regiment. More have since been delivered.
In addition PLANAF would undergo significant change once China's first aircraft carriers is fully operational. Near the end of October 2006, Russias Kommersant newspaper revealed that Russian state-run weapon exporter Rosoboronexport is completing negotiations with China to deliver up to 24 Sukhoi Su-33 carrier capable fighter aircraft in a purchase deal reportedly worth $2.5 billion. China has expressed interest and is presently in negotiations to acquire these aircrafts, plus setting up a program to train naval air cadets, seems to be adding more credibility to the latest news.
PLAN Weapons Systems
The current quality and capability of PLAN weaponry has improved significantly, closing the gaps between PLAN obsolescence and Western standards. Future PLAN weapon systems could include land attack cruise missiles, stealthy hypersonic missiles, armed ship launched UAVs, anti radiation missiles, and land based anti-ship ballistic missiles, EMP bombs, long range artillery systems, super-speed torpedoes and ever improved mines.
