Chinese Navy increases anti-submarine warfare with its new Y-8Q aircraft.

On November 7, the Chinese Navy’s Y-8Q anti-submarine patrol aircraft arrived in Zhuhai for a static display at the 15th China Airshow, as reported by official Chinese media. The Y-8Q, also known as Gaoxin-6, GX-6, Yun-8Q or Kongqian-200, represents China’s first generation of fixed-wing anti-submarine patrol aircraft. Developed by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation, this aircraft is based on the Y-8F-600 platform, also designated as Y-9, and powered by four WJ-6C turboprop engines, each featuring six-bladed JL-4 composite propellers. Since its induction in 2015, the Chinese PLANAF (People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force) has acquired over 50 units.
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The Y-8Q performs a range of anti-submarine roles, including patrol, inspection, on-call deployment, and target indication, thanks to a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) extending from the tail. (Picture source: Weibo)

The Y-8Q performs a range of anti-submarine roles, including patrol, inspection, on-call deployment, and target indication. It is equipped with various specialized systems for these missions, including a spherical radar dome at the nose, a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) extending from the tail, and a forward fuselage electro-optical turret that houses a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera, CCD/TV camera, and laser rangefinder. Openings on the aircraft allow for sonobuoy deployment (including SQ-4 and SQ-5 models), and a weapons bay can carry anti-submarine grenades, torpedoes, and depth charges.

Reports from military sources provide context for the Y-8Q’s capabilities relative to other models. The Y-8Q surpasses previous Chinese anti-submarine aircraft like the Be-6 and Shuihong-5 in its range, hovering time, and speed but has limitations in comparison to other international models. With a patrol range of approximately 6,000 to 7,000 kilometers and a maximum speed of around 700 km/h, the Y-8Q is somewhat constrained compared to the U.S. P-8A Poseidon’s 8,300-kilometer range and 910 km/h speed. Furthermore, while the P-8A is equipped with under-wing anti-ship missile capabilities, no evidence suggests that the Y-8Q currently has similar capacity.

Recent information from Chinese military media also confirms the Y-8Q’s anti-submarine weaponry, which includes self-guided aerial depth charges with sonar guidance. These depth charges, similar to Russia’s Zagon-2, are designed to be cost-effective, weighing around 120 kg with a 35 kg warhead. They incorporate a sonar-guided system and deploy a parachute for descent, enabling them to engage submarines at depths up to 600 meters. These charges provide a less expensive alternative to anti-submarine torpedoes and can be deployed in larger numbers, creating a pattern along a submarine’s anticipated route to restrict movement.

The Y-8Q’s arrival at Zhuhai for the airshow provides a broader view of China’s anti-submarine strategy and the role of the Y-8Q within it. Previously, the Chinese Navy had limited fixed-wing anti-submarine capabilities, relying on helicopters like the Z-9C, Ka-28, and Z-18. Although the Y-8Q operates on a transport-based platform, which restricts its performance, it fills a key role in shore-based anti-submarine operations with the benefit of increased patrol range and payload capacity compared to these helicopters. In recent years, PLAN has distributed the Y-8Q across its three major fleets—the East China Sea, South China Sea, and North Sea Fleets—to strengthen their shore-based anti-submarine capacities.

China’s military reports suggest a target deployment of between 100 and 200 Y-8Q units across its fleets. The development of a more advanced aircraft remains a long-term objective, with potential advancements to be drawn from domestic airframes such as the C919. Such an aircraft would aim to address current limitations by improving the Y-8Q’s patrol range, payload, and overall capability in anti-submarine operations.

In addition to its core anti-submarine functions, the Y-8Q has demonstrated secondary capabilities in recent military exercises, where it deployed depth charges against surface targets. This capability aligns with PLAN’s strategy to develop versatile, lower-cost systems to support its various maritime defense needs. Observers note that the Y-8Q may serve in this capacity until more advanced platforms become available, providing PLAN with continued coverage for shore-based anti-submarine patrols and operational flexibility in its current state.

Although the Y-8Q operates on a transport-based platform, which restricts its performance, it fills a key role in shore-based anti-submarine operations with the benefit of increased patrol range and payload capacity compared to military helicopters. (Picture source: Weibo)