PLAN holds 'largest-ever' firepower display in SCS drills

[Zarvan]

A PLAN naval drill in July saw the likely first images of an ASROC-type torpedo-carrying missile, fired from the vertical launch system of a Type 054A 'Jiangkai II'-class frigate. The official designator of this missile is uncertain, although some sources suggest nomenclature of CY-5 (Chiang Ying , Long Tassel). Source: Screengrab from CCTV
Key Points

• A 10-day naval exercise in the South China Sea was the largest-ever display of firepower by China's PLAN, according to state media
• The exercise involved over 100 ships and also showed what is likely the first images of an ASROC-type missile being fired from a Type 054A frigate

A large-scale Chinese naval exercise in the South China Seas held in mid- to late July was the PLA Navy's largest firepower demonstration to date, according to Chinese news media.

The 10-day exercise, which was previously reported by IHS Jane's and concluded on 31 July, involved over 100 ships and dozens of aircraft. Chinese media reported that several battalions from the Second Artillery Force, which operates the DF-21D anti-carrier ballistic missile, also took part.

Considerable video footage broadcast on Chinese TV showed live firings of Shtil-1 3K90M Ëzh (SA-N-7B 'Grizzly') and HHQ-16 surface-to-air missiles, YJ-83 surface-launched anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine mortars, and chaff/decoy rounds.

More significant, however, were the likely first images of an anti-submarine rocket (ASROC)-type torpedo-carrying missile, fired from the vertical launch system of a Type 054A 'Jiangkai II'-class frigate. The official designator of this missile is uncertain, although some sources suggest nomenclature of CY-5 (Chiang Ying, Long Tassel).

Another apparently new weapon was a lightweight torpedo shown being launched from a surface ship. Most PLAN frigates and destroyers are fitted with triple 324 mm torpedo launch tubes, derived from the Italian Whitehead B-515 launcher. The new torpedo appears to be longer than the PLAN's standard Yu-7 lightweight torpedo, possibly with an extended homing and data processing section. Another notable difference is that the weapon seems to have a shrouded propulsor in place of the contra-rotating propellers on the Yu-7, which may significantly reduce the noise radiated by the torpedo, making detection more difficult.

Also broadcast on Chinese television was footage of a Xian H-6 long range bomber, a derivative of the Tupolev Tu-16 'Badger', being armed with sea mines that were subsequently dropped over the sea, deploying parachutes to delay their fall.

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Another apparently new weapon taking part in the PLAN naval drill was a lightweight torpedo shown being launched from a surface ship. The new torpedo appears to be longer than the PLAN's standard Yu-7 lightweight torpedo, possibly with an extended homing and data processing section. (Screengrab from CCTV)

The CCTV footage also showed a Xian H-6 bomber being armed with sea mines that were subsequently dropped over the sea. (Screengrab from CCTV)




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PLAN holds 'largest-ever' firepower display in SCS drills - IHS Jane's 360

 

[Beast]

That is why PLAN refuse to export Type054A VLS system. It is top end weapon system for PLAN. ASROC is well rumour but comfirm only now.

HQ-16 missile is believed to be 76 - 90 km range. More than ESSM -1