Chinese Navy

The Chinese Navy, the naval branch of the People's Liberation Army, is currently undergoing significant modernization and expansion. Recent news highlights advancements in its weaponry and infrastructure. Specifically, the potential deployment of the YJ-15 anti-ship missile on carrier-based J-15T fighters suggests enhanced offensive capabilities. Furthermore, the possible integration of the GJ-21 stealth attack drone with the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan indicates a focus on advanced unmanned aerial systems for naval operations. The first use of a new dry dock at Yulin Naval Base, near the South China Sea, suggests an increased capacity for maintaining and deploying aircraft carriers in the region, potentially impacting power projection in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean. These developments underscore China's growing naval power and its strategic ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region.