China’s carrier drills offer pointers to plans for future strike groups
- The Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted high-intensity drills in the Philippine Sea this month as the PLA navy seeks to hone its skills
- Military analysts say the exercise will provide a reference point for training and operations when the country acquires more advanced carriers
The Japanese defence ministry has released details of the exercises in the Philippine Sea and said the carrier’s J-15 fighters had carried out about 200 sorties during the first 10 days of the exercise, which began late last month.
The ministry added that Z-18 anti-submarine and early-warning helicopters were also taking part in the drills. China has not confirmed any details of the drills.
“It’s not clear whether ship-borne aircraft have taken part in night flight drills, but such training is more intense compared with previous drills that were disclosed to the public,” said Lu Li-shih, a former instructor at the Taiwanese Naval Academy.
At least seven escort ships are reportedly accompanying the Liaoning – including a Type 055, the country’s most powerful and largest destroyer, three Type 052D destroyers, a supply ship and two other vessels – to form China’s biggest ever strike group formation.
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“The ongoing large-scale training operation aims to test and develop training guidelines and a doctrine for ship-borne aircraft carrier deck operations, high-sea logistic support and other details, which will provide a reference point for the navy’s third aircraft carrier, the Type 003,” Lu said.
