East Coast Defense
- Thread starter kovona
- Start date
The JMSDF lacks offensive weapons (LGBs, LACMs, long-range bombers) and is not a "threat" to the PRC mainland per se. But in conflicts over ocean territory, the Japanese navy out-class the PLAN in technology, training, and experience. To cite just one example, I think the Japanese are better at ASW.
The PLAN and PLANAF has staretd addressing some of their short-comings by obtaining Su-30's, JH-7's, and some modern DDG's and FFG's. But it'd be some years before they can match the Japanese toe-to-toe. The USN is far larger than the Japanese navy, and I don't foresee the PLAN to match the USN within our generation, unless something drastic happens that cause the downfall of US government. The PLAN could, however, provide some degree of deterrance via submarines in the littoral region.
I think for the most part, we've evolved beyond the traditional fortified strongholds, except deep underground bunkers. Fixed defenses are basically stationary targets for whoever that wins air superiority. The closest I think of that resembles "strong point defense" for the PLA would be the numerous mobile SAM sites along Taiwan's coast and rings around important cities (Beijing). I think when China first imported the S-300's, they put them around Beijing.
p.s. by "defense" I think we'd exclude offensive weapons like the numerous SRBM's and MRBM's that the PLA has deployed the the area.
There are some limited coastal defensive positions visible on Google Earth - one even has self-propelled howitzers part way through deploying. Most of these positions are near to major naval bases.
Having said that, there are vast stretches of coastline virtually undefended, just like there are in USA and most countries. Most naval bases have little/no visible defences.
There are some current HQ-2 and SA-10 SAM sites but hardly enough to give unintrupted coastal coverage against cruise missiles such as those about to be deployed by ROK forces.
The PLAN is widely thought to have a large number of mobile coastal missile batteries with YJ-83 and maybe still some older missiles. C-701 is not thought to be in service.
PLAN has a massive fleet of coastal patrol boats but these are ill-equiped to face any modern warships and less so aircraft, although the more modern missile boats are a serious force.
Having said that, there are vast stretches of coastline virtually undefended, just like there are in USA and most countries. Most naval bases have little/no visible defences.
There are some current HQ-2 and SA-10 SAM sites but hardly enough to give unintrupted coastal coverage against cruise missiles such as those about to be deployed by ROK forces.
The PLAN is widely thought to have a large number of mobile coastal missile batteries with YJ-83 and maybe still some older missiles. C-701 is not thought to be in service.
PLAN has a massive fleet of coastal patrol boats but these are ill-equiped to face any modern warships and less so aircraft, although the more modern missile boats are a serious force.
FriedRiceNSpice
Captain
No, just that no modern nation in our time still attempts to build fortifications or defend entire coastlines. Just look at the United States coastline. No nation still deploys military forces in a defensive posture during times of peace. Of course, in times of war, key strategic points and major cities will be heavily defended, but even then it is completely unneccesary and impossible to attempt to defend the entire coastline.
So the task of securing the coastline rest in the hands of the PLAN? Also, when would China have a electronic surveillance and tracking system set up similar to what the Americans have in coastline security? Do they already have one?
I'm also curious about details of China's defense doctrine against a technologically superior foe, I use to think that the PLA would retreat from lowland areas to mountain strongholds where they can launch counterattacks against the enemy. Of course, such tactics appear obselete in today's battlefields where monitoring aircraft and satellites can pinpoint the enemy's position and quickly direct troops to deal with them. Does PLA have a effective plan of action to counter any aggression?
I'm also curious about details of China's defense doctrine against a technologically superior foe, I use to think that the PLA would retreat from lowland areas to mountain strongholds where they can launch counterattacks against the enemy. Of course, such tactics appear obselete in today's battlefields where monitoring aircraft and satellites can pinpoint the enemy's position and quickly direct troops to deal with them. Does PLA have a effective plan of action to counter any aggression?
Google earth the coast of Syria, it's full of deployed artillery, SAM sites etc. Absolutely jam packed even in time of "peace" -of course the Syrian defences are puny and easily targeted, but either way it contradicts your otherwise generally correct assessment.
China is at peace, it doesn't need massive coastal defences and can't afford them, at least not S-300 coverage. At any rate, there is no country that is likely to invade China any time soon.
Ps. With a nuclear deterrence you don't need coastal defences.
Roger604
Senior Member
You're bringing up the old People's War concept. That doctrine became unnecessary after the end of the Cold War because the USSR is the only nation that can conceivably launch a ground war against the PRC. That doctrine is also inadequate against American style aerial bombing campaigns (like against Serbia).