Amid growing operational activity in its maritime domains, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China recently conducted a new combat-oriented anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise, deploying its Shaanxi KQ-200 aircraft. The objective of the drill was to evaluate the ability to detect, classify, and engage submarine targets, while also strengthening interoperability among the various platforms involved in such missions.
According to official Chinese media, the exercise focused on improving detection and strike tactics through combat simulations, utilizing sensors and acoustic detection systems to identify underwater threats and carry out simulated attacks on designated targets. These drills, conducted under the “real combat” concept, aim to enhance the Chinese Navy’s integrated response capabilities against undersea threats—particularly in sensitive areas such as the South China Sea.
Although the exact date and location of the exercise were not disclosed, the public release of information through state-run outlets reflects Beijing’s intent to showcase its progress in submarine warfare capabilities as part of a broader deterrence strategy in an increasingly contested regional environment.
These types of exercises come amid rising regional militarization and growing foreign naval presence in Indo-Pacific waters. China has significantly ramped up its investment in platforms and doctrines aimed at securing undersea dominance, recognizing the challenge posed by conventional and nuclear submarines operated by powers such as the United States, Japan, and Australia.
As reported, the Chinese Navy deployed Shaanxi KQ-200 aircraft—a maritime patrol and anti-submarine variant of the Y-9 turboprop transport aircraft. With a range of approximately 5,000 km and a patrol endurance of around 10 hours, the KQ-200 is equipped with an advanced sensor suite, synthetic aperture radar, magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), deployable sonobuoys, and both internal and external weapon systems capable of carrying torpedoes, mines, or missiles. It is also rumored to be capable of carrying YJ-83K anti-ship missiles under its wings, although this has not been officially confirmed.
Thanks to these capabilities, the KQ-200 has become the PLAN’s primary long-range ASW aircraft, deployed with both the North Sea and South Sea Fleets. It is regularly seen operating in friction zones, including near Taiwan and disputed areas of the South China Sea.
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