The PLAN is also expanding its logistical capabilities to support long-distance operations. The PLAN now has a sizable force of highly capable logistical replenishment ships to support long-duration deployments.
The PLANMC continues to make strides towards becoming a multidimensional expeditionary force capable of conducting operations beyond the FIC to protect the PRC’s growing overseas interests. The PLANMC maintains a presence at the PRC’s first overseas military support facility in Djibouti, which the PRC refers to as its “PLA support base in Djibouti” (吉布提保障基地), that extends The PRC’s military reach and strategic influence in Africa and the Middle East. The PLANMC’s presence in Djibouti seeks to enable a military response to contingencies affecting the PRC’s investments and infrastructure in the region.
Aviation Forces (PLAAF, PLAA Aviation, PLAN Aviation). PLA aviation forces are fielding advanced platforms capable of supporting future long-distance operations, as their mission sets evolve from defending Chinese territorial space to launching offensive operations at distances beyond the FIC. While interoperability is a stated priority, joint exercises between the aviation’s forces are limited. Individually, the PLAAF, PLAN Aviation, and PLAA Aviation continue to improve their capabilities to conduct offensive and defensive operations offshore, including strike, air and missile defense, strategic mobility, early warning and reconnaissance missions, and insertion. The PLAAF, in particular, has received repeated calls from its leadership to become a truly “strategic” air force, able to project power at long distances to advance and defend the PRC’s global interests.
- The PLA’s indigenously developed Y-20A heavy-lift transport has performed numerous overseas missions, including an April 2022 arms delivery to Serbia. Y-20A aircraft have delivered humanitarian aid throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the South Pacific. In 2021, the Y-20U tanker entered service, supporting the continued PLAAF expansion of air refuelable fighters, bombers, and SMA aircraft. These new air refuelable aircraft will significantly expand the PRC’s ability to conduct long-range offensive air operations. In addition to aerial refueling, it is expected that there will likely be further Y-20 variants, such as a possible AWAC variant.
- The PRC is developing a new generation of long-range bombers, likely named the H-20, according to publicly released computer-generated design plans and promotional videos and a 2016 public statement by then PLAAF Commander General Ma Xiaotian. The H-20, which may debut sometime in the next decade, will have a range of more than 10,000 km, enabling the PLAAF to cover the Second Island Chain and into the western region of the Pacific. The H-20 bomber’s range could be extended to cover the globe with aerial refueling. It is also expected to employ both conventional and nuclear weaponry and feature a stealthy design.
- The PLA Army aviation and air assault units are enabling highly-mobile, modular ground task force capable of expeditionary operations. According to PRC media, three Z-8 transport
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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
