More boring logistics pictures: Second type 901 Comprehensive Supply Ship fitting out in Guangzhou

Lets take a look at what folks at RAND have to say at page 93 of "China’s Incomplete Military Transformation: Assessing the Weaknesses of the PLA"
http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR800/RR893/RAND_RR893.pdf

"Finally, no matter how many aircraft carriers and surface ships China ultimately produces, the PLAN’s ability to deploy force beyond neighboring waters will remain severely limited unless it has a sufficient number of fleet replenishment oilers (O’Rourke, 2013). These ships allow surface action groups to travel far distances by replenishing fuel, food, and water while en route and at station. The PLAN currently possesses only five replenishment ships, three of which are relatively new and have contributed to the Gulf of Aden antipiracy missions. These regular counterpiracy missions, plus exercises near Japan and in the South China Sea, have stretched the oiler fleet beyond its capacity"

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Photos of the day: Type 901 Comprehensive Supply Ship

The amphibious dock landing ship Kunlunshan (Hull 998) conducts alongside replenishment-at-sea training with a new comprehensive supply ship (not commissioned) in the waters of the South China Sea on May 24, 2017. They are attached to a landing ship flotilla of the South China Sea Fleet of the PLA Navy. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Liu Jian)