Here is the 2012 Update to my site regarding the phenominal growth and modernization of the PLAN over the last several years.
Hope you guys enjoy it.
Rising Sea Dragon in Asia said:
2011 has seen significant increases in major combatant shipbuilding by the PLAN across the board. From being launched and sent to sea for trials, to continued testing and production of J-15 fighters for that carrier's airwing, to the increased tempo of serial production of the (with a second and third unit launched and a fourth being built), to increased serial production of the PLAN's premier stealthy, area-wide anti-air/multipurpose destroyer, with VLS and PARS which now has seen a 3rd, 4th, and 5th unit launched and a 6th, 7th and an 8th unit under construction, to continued rapid production of the , which now numbers 16 units either launched or about to be launched, to a brand new class of Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), the Type 056 Class which appears to be a PLAN litoral combatant which is already building in two shipyards and may expand to as many as four shipyards for very rapid production (30 or more units), to production of a new, improved Yuan Class SSK conventional submarine, the Qing Class, which has Air-independent Propulsion (AIP) capabilities.
While increased production picked up in all of the above areas, units of the Type 093 SSN, Nuclear attack Submarine, the Shang Class, with improved reactors, sensors, and weapons suite continue trials and introduction into the fleet at a slower rate, along with the same for the Type 094 Jin Class ballistic missile submarines.
In addition, the PLAN sent its <a href="piracy.htm">10th task force to the Arabian Sea to conduct anti-piracy operations</a>, usually sending a guided missile destroyer, a guided missile frigate, and a UNREP logistics vessel to perform these duties, which is giving many, many Chinese sailors and commanders in the PLAN blue water exsperience. The PLAN has sustained these operations now for going pon three years without pause.
As in past years, other, ongoing exercises of the many new units the PLAN has introduced into its fleets continues to improve their performance and ability to operate cohesively with their new technology, particularly as surface action groups and task forces. They do this by conducting exercies and manuevers regularly, and have the money to sustain these operations. This will continue at an increased tempo once their new carrier finishes trials, is commissioned and is introduced into the fleet.
All of these developments represent significant, rapid progress by the PLAN in establishing itself as a consistent blue water presence. Indeed it is already sending significant SAGs, including the new LPDs, to areas in the Arabian Sea (as mentioned) the Indian Ocean, off the coasts of Africa and South America, and throughout the Western Pacific to makes the PLAN presence known, show the flag, and protect Chinese interests.
Other Western Pacific nations are monitoring these developments and in the case of Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, and the Republic of China on Taiwan, are themselves increasing their own operational tempos as they can, and to modernize and enlarge their own navies. The US has indicated plans to shift more vessels and other assets to the Western Pacific in response.
FINAL OUTFITTING AND LAUNCH OF CHINA'S FIRST AIRCRAFT CARRIER OCCURRED IN 2011
August 9th became an historic date for the People's Republic. This was the day the first Chinese Aircraft Carrier went to sea to conduct sea trials
MORE J-15 FIGHTERS PRODUCED & TESTED FOR THE CARRIER. INITIAL AT-SEA FLIGHTS EXPECTED IN 2012
PRODUCTION OF THE YUZHAO CLASS LPD, INCREASED. COMMISSIONING THE 2ND, LAUNCHING 3RD, & BUILDING A 4TH
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Hope you guys enjoy it.
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