6 Scary Chinese Military Facts You Had No Idea About
China’s massive growing military reflects frightening things.
The images above was clicked on 3rd September 2015. It shows DF-5B intercontinental ballistic missiles being carried by specialized Military vehicles during a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japanese surrender during the Second World War — in front of Tiananmen Gate of Beijing.
In recent years the People’s Liberation Army has become one of the three most powerful armies in the world. The aim is to become the most dominant force in the Asian Pacific region.
Even when China’s policy is to stay away from conflict and the only approach is to create businesses that are beneficial for them and the country they are doing business with.
However, strengthening Chinese influence in international disputes in the South Chinese Seas and especially in Taiwan
The plan of the Chinese government is to work with their Military on making it much more efficient, more robust, and most technologically advanced, to become one of the best Armed Forces in the period of 30 years.
To achieve this goal, the Chinese government has increased its defense budget significantly. As a result, the People’s Liberation Army already ranks among the world’s leading Militaries.
With this increase in budget, PLA will achieve further milestones in its already developed sectors like Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles and Artificial Intelligence.
Experts believe the pace at which the Chinese Armed Forces are advancing their weaponry and tech will probably take half the predicted time to achieve their goals. Let’s see why experts believe so?
1. Largest Army In The World
The People’s Liberation Army was founded 94 years ago, and now it is the largest army in the world, with over two million active personnel and more than five hundred thousand in reserve.
All these troops are divided into different service branches in the People’s Liberation Army Ground Forces, which comprises an anti-chemical unit, military engineering, artillery, tanker, aviation, and other special operation and electronic war branches.
Members of all these branches are particularly trained and educated for their designated military unit.
2. Third Largest Air Force In The World
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PLA Air Force is a branch that is responsible for China’s Air Defenses, Aerial, and Airborne warfare. It has more than four hundred thousand active members and 3370 aircraft.
Most of the Chinese air fleet is updated, and only some old fighter jets and air transporters are still in service.
However, on the other side, it is the only country after the United States with a fully functional 5th generation stealth fighter jet known as Chengdu J20 or the Mighty Dragon as a part of its air fleet.
The Chinese are also working on another variant of the 5th generation fighter that will cost significantly lower than the J-20.
Other jets that make up the Chinese Air Force are four and 4+ generation fighter jets. All in all, the Chinese Air Force has grown a lot in recent years, whether it be their technological advancement or advancement in hardware sectors.
3. China’s Supersonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile
YJ-12 is perhaps the worst enemy in any Battleship — a modern supersonic anti-ship missile that is manufactured and developed in China.
It was developed to replace a couple of older subsonic missiles that were used by the PLA.
With a range of 400km, YJ-12 anti-ship cruise missile is considered one of the most advanced modern-day missiles.
Furthermore, YJ-12 is an air-launched missile, while its export variant is capable of being launched from air, land, or sea.
As a result, YJ-12 is the only anti-ship missile that can target the United States aircraft carrier effectively.
4. World’s Most Extensive Inventory Of Armored Vehicles
The image above reflects People’s Liberation Army’s most advanced tank, Type 99A, at 90th Anniversary Theme Exhibition.
With a whopping 6,900 units, China has the world’s most extensive inventory of Armored vehicles.
However, because of China’s offense and defense policies, these heavily armored vehicles have not been battle tested yet, and to be honest — I hope it remains this way because war is no solution.
Their newest and most advanced tank is type 99, which is believed to be one the most advanced tank in the world.
Combining this with other armored vehicles that the People’s Liberation Army’s Ground Forces use has made China a force to be reckoned with.
5. Combined Force Of Three Aircraft Carriers
China’s first aircraft carrier was Liaoning Type 001, which was commissioned in 2012. Liaoning was a refurbished Soviet-era ship.
However, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy soon inducted its second aircraft carrier Shandong Type 002, in 2019, which was much more advanced than its predecessor. Both of these ships use a ski-jump-style platform to launch aircraft from their deck.
It is Fujian Type 003 that gave the Chinese Navy its edge in the water. Fujian was launched on 17th June 2022, and it is the most advanced carrier in the Chinese Navy.
The carrier was designed and manufactured locally, and it features an Electromagnetic Catapult and a CATOBAR system; along with its 80,000 tons of capacity, it is the crown jewel of the Chinese Navy.
6. China The Only Country With Hypersonic Cruise Missiles
DF-17 is not your typical ballistic missile. It is designed specifically to carry a hypersonic glide vehicle that travels five or ten times the speed of sound — interestingly, it is the only hypersonic missile in the world that is successfully deployed.
The missile is capable of delivering both kinds of payloads, whether it be thermonuclear or conventional.
Final Words
China’s Armed Forces have been working day and night to achieve their desired military power goals, and in a way, they have been achieving it without any problems.
All we can do is hope that all these advanced weapons are never used because all they will do is cause destruction and nothing more.
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