Current Limitations of the PLAN

The US has recently released a 77 page document regarding the PLAN.

They have addressed several key limitations that the PLAN still needs to address. They include:

1.)Limited operations capability in distant waters
2.)Joint operations
3.)C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance)
4.)Long-range surveillance and targeting systems (really impacts the EFFECTIVE range of PLAN's anti-ship missiles)
5.)Anti-air warfare (AAW)
6.)Antisubmarine warfare (ASW)
7.)Mine countermeasures(MCM)
8.)Logistics

The question is, what steps or probable steps the PLAN need to do to address this problem. Please note the fact that more glamorous naval capabilities, such as fielding a carrier group is not one of them.

IDonT said:

The US has recently released a 77 page document regarding the PLAN.

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They have addressed several key limitations that the PLAN still needs to address. They include:

1.)Limited operations capability in distant waters
2.)Joint operations
3.)C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance)
4.)Long-range surveillance and targeting systems (really impacts the EFFECTIVE range of PLAN's anti-ship missiles)
5.)Anti-air warfare (AAW)
6.)Antisubmarine warfare (ASW)
7.)Mine countermeasures(MCM)
8.)Logistics

The question is, what steps or probable steps the PLAN need to do to address this problem. Please note the fact that more glamorous naval capabilities, such as fielding a carrier group is not one of them.

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These are all quite true. China's navy cant really operate in blue waters though the PRC is trying to correct this problem. China's AAW is also low. the PLAN is still a little small in size so there is still improvment on the number of ships and submarines. The traditonal reson for the navy was to operate near China's borders to defend the country from attack.

i would have to agree with all except the targeting and aaw. the aaw used to be a big handicap, but with the use of grizzlys, s-300s, gadflys, annd hq-15s, its really not so mvuh of a weakness. the targeting...the helix is a good helicopters, reliable and with good sensors. the new plan radars are pretty impressive too. its just that the plan lacks the ability to coordinate operations.

actually, I would agree with most of the above except for AAW. I do think that with the induction of 052C and 051C, it's a sign that AAW in PLAN is actually becoming one of the strength in PLAN.

If anything, the fact that 094 hasn't entered PLAN is probably a bigger problem, since 092 doesn't really provide a credible deterrence.

tphuang said:

If anything, the fact that 094 hasn't entered PLAN is probably a bigger problem, since 092 doesn't really provide a credible deterrence.

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Agreed. However DF-31 is a credible deterrence. And currently in service. And if I'm not mistaken, PLAN is focusing more heavily on 093 as a first step to the development of 094. This would make sense as 094 basic designs are speculated to be similar to the 093's basic design, with the additional space for the JL-2's.

tphuang said:

actually, I would agree with most of the above except for AAW. I do think that with the induction of 052C and 051C, it's a sign that AAW in PLAN is actually becoming one of the strength in PLAN.

If anything, the fact that 094 hasn't entered PLAN is probably a bigger problem, since 092 doesn't really provide a credible deterrence.

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according to strategy center, the type 94 has already been launched and joind the 92. i dont know how credible this is, since their were few details.

MIGleader said:

according to strategy center, the type 94 has already been launched and joind the 92. i dont know how credible this is, since their were few details.

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it has been launched, but it's still ongoing a lot of sea test. Looking back at China's past nuclear sub developments, this could take a long long time. JL-2 has been reported to have been tested on 092, so that's a good news at least. The estimation is that 094 will commission probably in 2008. Until then, 092 is all we got.

IDon't, You my friend have started an excellent thread. All of us could learn something from this. Excellent response's all. Very realistic.

As you guys may know I am suspect the PLAN lacks in the area of training. I think training in a navy is very important. Its one thing to have modern weapons. Another to know how to use them. Modern weapons systems can't be operated by indivuals that have limited training in using them. Therefore training is esential. Training should include, firefighting, damage control & firts aid for all hands. The operation of weapon systems on real targets with live fire. Operating simulators. Wargames and manuvers with other nations.

I think personnel is also a problem . I think it was MIGleader that posted in another thread that the 167(?) was manned mostly by officers I don't understand why enlisted men can't be trained to do the jobs on the 167. Other Navies operate this way. Strong minded, well trained carreer NCO's are the backbone of any military. I think that is a direction the PLAN needs to move to. I know from reading this forum that there millions of voulnteers for the PLA forces yearly.

I would also know how well the PLAN can do underway replenishments(unrep) & vertical replenishments(vertrep). Can they do a vertrep? But before they can be proficent in unreps's and vertrep's they must develp a logistical system that will work. This may require establishing bases outside of the PRC and using civillian assets. A feat that may be difficult to accomplishment.

Yes the PLAN does have it's short commings. But you can't build a blue water navy over night. They have come a long way in the last few years. In the future when the PLAN overcomes it's shortcommings it will be a force to be reckoned with.

for right now, the plan can accomplish its job. its mainly a green water defence navy, and can adequately assert china's claims in the peripheral regions. the plan has also been rather patient with its growth, despite a potential to grow much faster, especially seeing how theyve held off on a ccarrier till now. this allows more time for adaption and training.

MIGleader said:

for right now, the plan can accomplish its job. its mainly a green water defence navy, and can adequately assert china's claims in the peripheral regions. the plan has also been rather patient with its growth, despite a potential to grow much faster, especially seeing how theyve held off on a ccarrier till now. this allows more time for adaption and training.

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MIGleader, you are 100% correct. The PLAN is very capble in the waters close to the PRC. As long as any conflict stays in their region they will be able to fight for a time until their assets are exhausted. Fact.

The best way to build the blue water navy is slowly like MIGleader suggest. It takes times and years of training to get it right. I'm sure the PLAN in time will be able to do this. Don't be impatient guys is this "instant I want it now" world. The PLAN will someday be a great Navy. It just takes time.