People's Liberation Army Navy Xian JH-7 strike fighter (source:http://english.chinamil.com.cn/)
People's Liberation Army Navy transport helicopter (source:http://english.chinamil.com.cn/)China's navy plans to buy and develop a new generation of aircraft as part of its modernisation programme, says the service chief.
The service has about 800 aircraft, including fighters, bombers, maritime patrol, transport aircraft and transport helicopters. However, its inventory is not as modern as the air force's fleet and the modernisation programme is much needed if the country wants to have proper blue water navy.
Beijing has been in discussions with Russia for several years to buy Sukhoi Su-33 naval fighters along with a refurbished Russian aircraft carrier, Kamov Ka-29 attack helicopters and Kamov Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters. Chinese companies are also working on a naval version of the Chengdu J-10 fighter, Shenyang J-11 fighter, and Harbin Z-15 transport helicopter.
It certainly would be interesting to see how the US Pacific Fleet, as well as China's neighbours such as Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and India, react to this modernisation plan. This could be the spark to trigger a new wave of arms purchases by these countries as well. Any comments?
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