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Chinese Aerospace Force Modernization - Support to Ground or Maritime Operations

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  • By CASI

TOPIC SPONSOR: China Aerospace Studies Institute

How have changes within the PLA aerospace forces' DOTMLPFP contributed to their effectiveness in this mission/activity?

 

  • Claypool, Capt. Andrew H. "Chinese UAV Integration: A New Era of Maritime Deterrence in the South China Sea," AFGC thesis, 2025.
    • Claypool answers how changes in the PLA's aerospace forces contribute to maritime effectiveness by analyzing China's tactical integration of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and swarm/loiter UAVs in the South China Sea. He explains that these UAVs serve as the cornerstone of the PLA's Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) deterrence strategy, extending their naval domain awareness and targeting capabilities far beyond their shores. Fixed-wing Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) provide persistent ISR and the ability to autonomously complete the find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess (F2T2EA) kill chain, while rotary-wing systems act as flexible airborne extensions for PLA Navy (PLAN) surface vessels. By modernizing its force with these diverse unmanned systems, the PLA effectively challenges foreign freedom of navigation and enforces territorial claims well below the threshold of armed conflict.
  • Owen, Maj. Christian R., "Will China Invade Taiwan? Lessons from Russia's Invasion of Ukraine," GCPME paper, 2024, 59 pgs. 
  • Rivera, Lt. Col. Delbert R., “The PLAAF’s modernization and Unmanned Aircraft Systems,” AWC elective paper, 2019, 8 pgs.
     
  • Scheeler, CDR W. Tyler, "Modernization of the PLAAF: Offensive Air Support, Airborne Early Warning and Aerial Refueling," AWC Elective paper (Chinese Military, Airpower and Implications), 2019, 8 pgs.
     
  • Wilson, CDR Jake, "China's Domestic Aircraft Carrier Program: Modernization and Challenges," AWC elective paper, 2021, 10 pgs. (Published on Wild Blue Yonder on 12 Nov 2021)