Z‑20F anti‑submarine helicopter aboard a Type 054A frigate.

Anti‑submarine warfare has long been the soft spot in China’s otherwise fast‑growing naval power. Before the Z‑20F came along, the PLAN had to make do with the lighter, shorter‑range Z‑9 and the imported Russian Kamov Ka‑27/28/31 series. The Kamovs were capable for their time, but they’re aging fast with some already retired, and keeping those Russian imports maintained is like trying to service a Soviet‑era washing machine: possible, but not something anyone enjoys.

That’s where the Z‑20F steps in, finally giving the PLAN a modern, purpose‑built ASW helicopter to fill this very critical gap.

 

 

 

 

Saturday, August 03, 2024

A new batch of Type054Amod FFG under construction at Guangzhou

 While a new class of Type054B FFG is undergo sea trials, the PLAN surprised many by ordering a new batch of ten new Type54A FFG with the following medications: A larger hanger to better accommodate the Z-20F anti-submarine reconnaissance helicopter, an improved H/PJ-87A 100mm Main Gun over the previous batch's standard H/PJ-26 76mm, and a new rear mast active phased array low-altitude fast-scanning radar, most likely the Type368 rather than the Type364, found on other late batch Type54As.    

There were five batches of ten Type054A each; once the sixth batch is completed, the total number of Type054A will be 60.

 

Guangzhou Huangpu Shipyard

 

Still in love with their Y-5 biplane

Sure, the 60‑year‑old J‑7 has finally retired from frontline service.  Really, took it long enough!  but the Y‑5, on the other hand, is still going strong like that one grandpa who refuses to stop driving, in this case, jumping. According to today’s (March 28th) report from PLA Naval Aviation, this biplane workhorse isn’t going anywhere.

 

 

Friday, March 06, 2026

Naval Aviation Aircraft Of The Day: Y-5 Transport

While the PLAAF’s operation of the Y‑5 transport is well known, it may come as a surprise that the PLAN Naval Aviation also continues to field this updated variant of the Antonov An‑2 ‘Colt.’ A remarkably enduring aircraft, it’s still going strong.

 

 At the same time J-35 as well.  Talking about an age gap

 

Sunday, December 01, 2024

Y-5 biplane said good bye to another crew

Yesterday, the PLAAF airborne said goodbye to this year's retired crew members of a Y-5 unit.  The Y-5, which initially entered service on December 23rd, 1957, under direct Soviet supervision, is still operational, awaiting a new crew to continue flying.

Y-5B, a search and rescue variant on display at the recent 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, yes it is still going strong

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Yes, they are still making An-2 Colt / Y-5 biplane in China

The latest Y-5BG model completed her first flight on March 3rd, 2020 (here).  As a point of reference, the original An-2 completed her first on 1947.

Engine is Honeywell PE-331 turboprop and all civilian to boot.  Cheap to operate, easy to handle and can land anywhere, why not?  Great for agriculture applications

 

Saturday, February 06, 2021

Forever Y-5, still in service with the China Air Force for anti desertification aerial seeding

 China Air Force Unit: 3rd Transportation and SAR Regiment, Western Theater Command

 

 

Confirmation of the day: J-7 fighter decommissioned from PLA service (both PLAAF and PLANAF)

This isn’t exactly breaking news for anyone who follows Chinese military developments, but it’s still noteworthy to have confirmation that the J‑7 has finally been retired from front‑line service. As for the remaining airframes that are still in decent condition, several paths remain open: they could be exported, repurposed as secondary trainers, or converted into remotely operated drones. Time will tell which direction they choose.

 

 

 

Insufficient Firepower Phobia (IFP) Photo Of The Day: Walk the beat with papasha

A fun Chinese internet meme resurfaces every now and then, and “Insufficient Firepower Phobia” is one of the more entertaining. The meme plays on the historical sentiment: China fought outgunned in most her previous conflicts and the experience left a deep imprint on their military thinking. They now want three things - more firepower, more firepower and more firepower. 

Overcompensating? "Dial up to 11"?   No such thing. Here's an example of a police with armed with a modern Day PPSh-41, QBZ-1912 Carbine with a 75-round detachable drum magazine for street‑vendor patrol. 

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

PLA Insufficient Firepower Phobia (IFP) Photo Of The Day: 120mm Automortar mounted on a CS/VP4 Lynx ATV

This export version, adopted by the PLA, will bring 120mm firepower down to the company level. It will undoubtedly enhance light mobile units such as the PLA Airborne and helicopter assault companies, offering high mobility with greater firepower compared to the traditional 82mm mortar.

 Of course, greater firepower entails greater logistical needs. But that's a topic for another post.

 

Thursday, October 10, 2024

PLA Insufficient Firepower Phobia (IFP) Photo Of The Day: PCL-191 300mm MRL

Photo of a Long-range MRL Battalion with seven  PCL-191 launchers capable of raining 56 “Freedom and Confucianism” 300mm guided rockets to a maximum range of 150 kilometers in a single salvo!  

More on the 73rd Artillery Brigade of the 73rd Group Army’s long-range cross-regional maneuver to the Northwest Plateau