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Tag: plan

12 articles

Decommissioned Chinese nuclear submarine docked at a naval facility with crew assembled nearby.

China's First Nuclear Submarine Decommissioned

China's pioneering nuclear submarine, Han 401, met its end in September 2003, its decommissioning ceremony marked by a rare glimpse of the vessel and its crew in one final, farewell photo. Despite a tumultuous development process - think welding mishaps and reactor lab politics - the submarine looked remarkably well-preserved, a testament to its relatively gentle service history.

Analyst 207
China Deploys YJ-20 Hypersonic Missile on Smaller Destroyers

China Deploys YJ-20 Hypersonic Missile on Smaller Destroyers

China just took a major leap in naval firepower, deploying its advanced YJ-20 hypersonic missile on smaller Type 052D destroyers, with recent footage showing a successful launch from one of these vessels. This move significantly boosts the capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy.

Analyst 207
Submarine underway in open ocean with aircraft carrier in distance, naval base with anti-submarine aircraft and personnel…

RIMPAC Exercise Bolsters Multinational Maritime Defense in Indo-Pacific

This year's RIMPAC exercise is stepping up its undersea warfare game, featuring five submarines and a strong focus on anti-submarine defense to counter growing maritime threats in the Indo-Pacific region. By integrating tactics and systems with international partners, RIMPAC 2026 is bolstering the world's most powerful maritime defense alliance.

Analyst 207
China Coast Guard vessel at sea with a helicopter on deck.

China Coast Guard Spotted with Advanced Anti-Submarine Helicopter

Meet the Z-20F, China's game-changing anti-submarine helicopter that's filling a long-standing gap in the country's naval capabilities. This purpose-built powerhouse is poised to revolutionize China's maritime defenses.

Analyst 207
Two naval ships positioned at sea with a degaussing vessel on either side of a landing ship under a blue-gray sky and ocean.

China's PLAN Enhances Readiness with At-Sea Degaussing Operations

A recent photo reveals a fascinating glimpse into China's naval operations, showcasing the Type 072A landing ship Baxianshan getting degaussed at sea with the help of the Type 911 degaussing vessel Dongqin-870. This routine yet crucial sustainment action keeps ships ready for action without needing to return to base.

Analyst 207
China's first ballistic-missile submarine, a Xia-class SSBN, moored in a calm setting.

China's Aging Submarine Force Displays Enduring Presence

China's aging submarine force is still making waves, with its lone Xia-class SSBN, launched 45 years ago, remaining remarkably afloat - and even serving as a classroom - despite being written off as nearly retired for decades.

Analyst 207
Twin waterjet-powered Landing Craft Mechanized docked beside large amphibious platform at sea.

China Unveils Twin Waterjet-Powered Landing Craft Mechanized

Meet China's latest naval addition: a cutting-edge, twin waterjet-powered Landing Craft Mechanized, designed to seamlessly integrate with its larger amphibious platforms for enhanced ship-to-shore logistics and operations. This game-changing vessel is set to expand the PLAN's amphibious fleet capabilities.

Analyst 207
Chinese J-15 fighter jet, nicknamed Flying Shark, on a tarmac with a military base in the background.

China Indigenizes Fighter Jet Systems

China's J-15 fighter jet, affectionately known as the "Flying Shark," may look sleek and modern, but it still packs a familiar punch - literally, with its Russian-pattern internal cannon inherited from its Flanker family roots. This design choice reveals a pragmatic approach to building a reliable and battle-tested aircraft.

Analyst 207
Modern naval destroyer docked at a shipyard with blurred background.

China's PLAN Nears Addition of Advanced Type 052DL Destroyer

Get ready for a major boost to China's naval power: the Type 052DL destroyer, also known as the Extended Mod class, is expected to join the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) by the end of 2026. Recent photos from Dalian Shipyard show the advanced warship nearing completion.

Analyst 207
Naval test ship with 155mm gun mount underway at sea on a calm day.

PLAN Advances Naval Gun Technology with 155mm Sea Trials

The PLAN has taken a significant step forward in advancing naval gun technology, with a Type 909 test ship spotted conducting sea trials with a newly installed 155mm gun mount. This latest development marks a major milestone, moving from pier-side testing to open-water evaluation.

Analyst 207
Chinese naval base with dock, support ships, and Harbin destroyer DDG-112 showing wear and decommissioning preparations.

China's Harbin Destroyer Set for Decommissioning

The Harbin Destroyer, a stalwart of China's naval fleet for nearly three decades, is poised to meet its final voyage as it is widely expected to be decommissioned. Its retirement will likely pave the way for the introduction of newer, more advanced vessels, such as the proposed 12th Type 055.

Analyst 207
Warship docked in Chinese coastal city harbor with crowd on shore and other naval vessels in distance.

China Shifts Naval Diplomacy Inward

China's naval diplomacy is taking a dramatic turn inward, with a stunning display of 40 warships and public events in 10 cities, showcasing the People's Liberation Army Navy's strength to a domestic audience. This deliberate effort marks a significant shift in the PLAN's approach, prioritizing visibility at home over traditional fleet base displays or foreign port visits.

Analyst 207