The Individuals’s Liberation Military Floor Power (PLAGF) demonstrated utilizing Z-10 assault helicopters in a simulated island assault.
The train concerned eight Z-10 helicopters using a semi-submersible transport vessel as an offshore relay platform, testing China’s means to function in battle eventualities the place conventional navy platforms will not be out there.
The first goal of the drill was to simulate an amphibious assault, with helicopters offering aerial assist to touchdown forces on an island shoreline. Based on reviews, the Z-10 helicopters carried out a number of roles, together with shut air assist. The helicopters operated from a civilian heavy-lift semi-submersible vessel, repurposed as a floating base with touchdown pads for refueling and rearming.
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As soon as landed, the Z-10 helicopters had been rearmed with cannon and rocket munitions, highlighting the PLAGF’s emphasis on sustaining a relentless move of provides and ammunition to floor troops throughout high-intensity operations.
8x Z-10 assault helicopters from the 🇨🇳PLAGF Aviation throughout an train able to take off utilizing the deck of a semi-submersible transport vessel as offshore relay platform
(by way of wb/沉默的山羊 & 枕戈观澜) pic.twitter.com/XJMY6JSC8i— Jesus Roman (@jesusfroman) October 19, 2024
This strategy indicators a rising curiosity in hybrid warfare ways, with the potential to extend operational flexibility and shock in regional conflicts. China’s latest navy drills have emphasised the usage of civilian belongings to complement its navy capabilities, notably in amphibious and expeditionary operations.
The usage of non-military vessels as floating platforms represents a key ingredient of China’s technique to conduct sustained operations in tough and contested environments.
