China Navy's Y-8 maritime patrol aircraft holds anti submarine exercise.

According to information published by Global Times on August 30, 2023, in response to increasing foreign submarine activities in the South China Sea, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) recently undertook a comprehensive anti-submarine exercise. Spanning over 40 hours, the drill incorporated numerous groups of anti-submarine patrol aircraft.
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Chinese Y-8 patrol aircraft. (Picture source: China MoD)

The PLA Southern Theater Command, in a recent statement, detailed that the extensive drill was a joint effort between its naval aviation regiment and a submarine detachment.

The central theme was the continuous search and attack on submarines, emphasizing real-world situations where anti-submarine patrol aircraft and submarines would likely face off.

Y-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft played a significant role during the exercise, demonstrating their proficiency in locating, identifying, attacking, and tracking submarines under various conditions.

The drill was meticulously planned to span multiple times of the day, thereby giving the crews valuable experience in different hydrological and geographical conditions, helping to fine-tune the PLA's round-the-clock aviation anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Anti-submarine warfare stands as one of the more complex naval undertakings. According to military expert and commentator, Song Zhongping, this kind of prolonged search is standard procedure to detect submarines concealed in the expansive ocean.

The South China Sea's depth provides an optimal environment for submarine operations, attracting not just regional powers like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, but also global players like the US and Japan.

The collision of the US Navy's USS Connecticut with a seamount in October 2021 serves as a testament to the intensified submarine operations in the area.

The introduction of the AUKUS trilateral security pact, involving the US, Australia, and the UK, could see an influx of nuclear-powered submarines in the South China Sea, amplifying the geopolitical tensions.

The PLA, equipped with a comprehensive array of anti-submarine tools including surface vessels, patrol aircraft, and helicopters, is well-prepared. Song Zhongping added that China's advancements in anti-submarine technology position it among the global frontrunners, making these rigorous drills crucial to maintain and elevate their defense capabilities.