Tag: plan
17 articles
China's PLAN Upgrades Land-Based Fighter Brigade with Carrier-Capable J-15Ts
A recent publicity photo from the People's Liberation Army Navy has sparked debate among military enthusiasts, revealing two brand-new J-15T carrier fighters sitting proudly behind a group of newlyweds at a wedding ceremony. The image shows the elite 4th Aviation Division, a land-based brigade, now equipped with these cutting-edge, carrier-capable jets.
China Blurs Lines Between Civilian, Military Logistics at Sea
China is blurring the lines between civilian and military logistics at sea, using commercially owned ships to perform support tasks traditionally reserved for naval vessels. Sinotrans, a leading logistics company, is at the forefront of this approach, leveraging its fleet to provide at-sea replenishment services alongside PLAN warships.
China Builds Mothership for Large Uncrewed Submarines
China is taking its uncrewed submarine program to the next level with the construction of a massive mothership, as evidenced by satellite images of a boxy vessel taking shape at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai. This new, specialized ship is a significant upgrade from the floating docks currently used to house China's XXLUUV prototypes.
China's Type-052D Destroyers Bolster Carrier Battle Group Capabilities
Meet China's formidable Type-052D Destroyers, the game-changing vessels that are taking the country's carrier battle group capabilities to the next level. With impressive firepower, including a twin 130 mm main gun mount, these destroyers are bolstering China's naval presence.
Japan, South Korea Boost Naval Capabilities to Counter China Threat
China's massive naval buildup is prompting its neighbors to take action, with Japan and South Korea rapidly modernizing their naval capabilities to counter the growing threat. In just four years, China churned out 39 warships with a total displacement of 550,000 tonnes, cementing its position as a major maritime power.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.