Navy’s P-3. This Y-9 ASW variant is equipped with surface-search radar mounted under the nose as well as multiple-blade antennas on the fuselage, probably for electronic surveillance. A small electro-optical (EO)/infrared turret is located just behind the nose wheel, and this variant is equipped with an internal weapons bay in front of the main landing gear.
The PRC also operates a fixed-wing medium to large size UAVs from land bases. These UAVs specialize in ISR and include EO/infrared imaging, signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Many of these UAVs can be operated in satellite communications (SATCOM) mode, extending the datalink and operational ranges well past traditional line-of-sight (LOS) communications. Fixed-wing UAVs include the XIANGLONG high altitude, long endurance UAV; the BZK-005 medium altitude, long endurance UAV; and the ASN-209 medium altitude, medium endurance UAV.
Auxiliary Ships. The PLAN continues to build a large number of seagoing auxiliary and support ships, including AGIs, AGOs, fleet replenishment oilers, hospital ships, submarine salvage and rescue ships, and various other large auxiliaries for specialized missions. Additionally, the PRC’s first domestically built polar icebreaker, XUELONG 2, became operational in 2019. The ship is operated by the Polar Research Institute of the State Oceanic Administration. In October 2022, XUELONG 2 departed for the PRC’s 39th research mission to Antarctica and was followed one week later by XUELONG 1, marking the third occasion both research vessels have conducted a joint mission in Antarctica.
Current Nuclear Sea-Based Capabilities. For the PLAN and CCP, the possession of SSBNs has long been seen as an important symbol in achieving great power status. The PRC has six operational TYPE 094 JIN-class SSBNs, and these submarines are conducting at sea deterrent patrols. The PLAN’s JIN SSBNs are equipped to carry up to 12 sea launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs); JL-2 (CSS-N-14) and JL-3 (CSS-N-20) representing the PRC’s first viable sea-based nuclear deterrent. With six operational SSBNs, the PLAN has the capacity to maintain a constant at sea deterrent presence. With a range of approximately 3,900NM, a JIN equipped with the JL-2 would have to operate in the mid-Pacific Ocean in order to threaten targets in the western half of the Continental United States (as well as Hawaii and Alaska) or east of Hawaii in order to threaten targets on the East Coast of the United States. PRC sources claim the JL-3 has a range of over 5,400NM which would allow a JIN armed with this missile to target portions of CONUS from Chinese littoral waters. The PLAN’s next generation SSBN, the TYPE 096 is expected to enter service the late 2020s or early 2030s. Based on the 30-plus-year service life of the PRC’s first-generation SSNs, the PRC will operate the TYPE 094 and TYPE 096 SSBNs concurrently.
PLAN MARINE CORPS (PLANMC)
The PLANMC maintains a presence at the PRC’s first overseas military base in Djibouti that extends The PRC’s military reach and strategic influence in Africa and the Middle East. In 2020, China highlighted a PLANMC SOF unit that had joined the previously assigned PLANMC unit in Djibouti. The PLANMC’s presence in Djibouti provides the PRC with the ability to support a
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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China
