Chinese Navy

Main article: Chinese People's Liberation Army

History

2024

China Navy becomes world's largest

The Navy of the People's Liberation Army China PLA was the largest in the world. This is stated in the report, US Department of Defense published on December 16, 2024.

China's navy includes more than 370 ships and submarines, including more than 140 large surface combat systems, the report noted. The Chinese Navy has at its disposal landing ships, aircraft carriers, mine boats and all kinds of auxiliary vessels. According to estimates, during 2025 the number of the PRC's military fleet will reach 395 ships, and by 2030 it will increase to 435 units. By comparison, USA the Navy has 296 warships, and the number is expected to drop to 294 by 2030. The Royal Navy, the Britain largest To Europe in the after, Russia has only 45 ships.

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twz.com

The PLA fleet mainly consists of modern multi-purpose platforms equipped with advanced anti-ship, anti-aircraft and anti-submarine weapons. The expanding fleet, which includes large modern landing ships, allows a wide range of operations to protect the interests of the PRC, the report says.

It is emphasized that, in addition to the permanent base in Djibouti, the PLA "is probably already planning additional military logistics facilities to support the naval, air and ground forces." Among the countries considered for the formation of such sites, the authors of the report name Burma,,,,, Cuba, Thailand Indonesia Pakistan Sri Lanka Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Seychelles, Tanzania, Angola,,,,,,,, etc Nigeria Namibia Mozambique. Gabon Bangladesh Papua New Guinea China's maritime expansion is underpinned by a vast and increasingly complex defense-industrial complex. As of 2024, five of the world's 12 largest defense companies are Chinese.^[1]

China's newest nuclear submarine sank

On September 26, 2024, it became known that the newest Chinese nuclear submarine sank at a shipyard near the city of Wuhan in Hubei province. It is noted that the authorities PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA tried to hide information about the incident. More here

Use of laser guns to combat UAVs

In mid-August 2024, it became known that China had installed laser-guided energy weapons on the landing ship to counter drones, satellite networks and other advanced attack or surveillance technologies.

The images that appeared on social networks suggest that a system of powerful laser weapons appeared on the landing ship-dock type 071 "Simeizan" as a result of the reconstruction. The laser system, which can be recognized by the domed movable cover, appeared behind the 76-mm dual-purpose ship gun after a planned repair of the ship. It is difficult to judge the capabilities of these laser weapons or assess the position of the vessel from the available photographs.

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interestingengineering.com

It is known that the Chinese army uses other laser weapons, but this is the first case of installing a laser system on one of the landing naval ships. It is likely that this vessel will serve as a test platform before the widespread deployment of new weapons to the Chinese fleet. Commissioned in 2007, the Type 071 vessel was the largest active landing craft of the Chinese Army until entering service in 2021 with the Type 075 vessel. The Type 071 ship, with a displacement of about 25,000 tons, has a flight deck, hangar and can accommodate four transport helicopters Z-8 and about 60 armored fighting vehicles.

Experts suggest that laser weapons, more powerful and affordable than traditional ones, will play an important role in the defense systems of the future. In the past, Interest Engineering has documented several cases of successful use of laser weapons to destroy drones. With a reliable source of energy, these weapons can actually operate indefinitely without problems with a lack of ammunition.^[2]

Using birds-like drones

In early August 2024, it became known that a unit of the Marine Corps of the People's Liberation Army of China adopted unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with unusual designs. Outwardly, these drones are indistinguishable from birds, thanks to which they can be used for covert reconnaissance.

It is noted that many countries are working on drones similar to birds. However, in most cases, such devices are equipped with a fixed wing, and their flight is provided by propellers. For example, the Dutch reconnaissance drone Evolution Eagle, disguised as a large eagle, can only deceive the human eye from a long distance.

Chinese developers have created a UAV that not only looks like a bird, but also simulates the movements of birds. Ornithopter has a structure with a movable wing. The device can be launched from hand. A special mechanism allows the drone to smoothly gain altitude and perform sharp turns while flapping its wings. In addition, the ornithopter is capable of folding one wing at a time and spreading them to save energy.

This technological advance reflects the Chinese military's desire to remain at the forefront of innovation. The UAV is capable of perfectly fitting into the environment for secretive and effective reconnaissance missions, - notes the resource Army Recognition.

A special headset is used to control the drone. Fully technical characteristics of the drone as of the beginning of August 2024 were not disclosed, which is explained by safety concerns. But it is known that the ornithopter is equipped with a navigation system receiver and a camera. The device can be used not only for military intelligence, but also for other tasks. This can be, for example, environmental monitoring.^[3]

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