In terms of the number of deployed medium and long-range anti-aircraft missile systems, China is second only to Russia, but every year this gap is getting smaller. Most of China's anti-aircraft systems are deployed along the country's coastline. It is in this region that the bulk of the enterprises are located, giving 70% of the PRC's GDP. Now in China, about 110 anti-aircraft missile divisions are on combat duty in positions; in the Russian armed forces, this figure is about 130 zrdn. But in our country there are still a number of anti-aircraft kits and systems that are "in storage". However, as practice shows, the equipment of the air defense troops transferred to "storage", as a rule, is already in a "killed" state and, at best, is used as a source of spare parts.
The formation of the PLA anti-aircraft missile forces began in the late 50s, after the SA-75 "Dvina" air defense system was delivered from the USSR in 1959 at the personal request of Mao Zedong in an atmosphere of deep secrecy. At that time, this complex had just begun to enter service with the USSR Air Defense Forces, but the Soviet leadership found it possible to send five fire and one technical battalions to the PRC, including 62 11D anti-aircraft missiles. Under the leadership of Soviet military specialists, anti-aircraft systems were deployed in the vicinity of large Chinese administrative and industrial centers: Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Xian, Guangzhou, Shenyang.
The baptism of fire of the "seventy-five" that became famous later took place in the PRC. With the participation of Soviet advisers, on October 7, 1959, near Beijing at an altitude of 20,600 m, a Taiwanese reconnaissance aircraft of American production - RB-57D was shot down. Subsequently, several more Taiwanese aircraft, including U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, were hit by Soviet anti-aircraft missiles in the skies of the PRC.
Despite the deteriorating relations in the early 60s, the Soviet Union provided the PRC with technical documentation for the production of the SA-75 Dvina air defense system. In China, he received the designation HQ-1 (HongQi-1, "Hongqi-1", "Red Banner-1"). The production of an anti-aircraft missile system in the PRC began in 1965, and almost immediately work began on the creation of an improved version of the HQ-2. Due to the fact that a significant part of the equipment and weapons during the Vietnam War went by rail through the territory of the PRC, the Chinese got the opportunity to get acquainted with an improved version of the S-75 air defense system. The HQ-2 air defense system for a long time became the main and only anti-aircraft missile system in China. Its improvement continued until the end of the 80s. The Chinese analogue of the Soviet air defense system repeated the path traveled in the USSR with a delay of 10-15 years. But in some moments, the Chinese showed originality. So, in the second half of the 80s, a mobile air defense system - HQ-2V was adopted. As part of the HQ-2V complex, a launcher on a tracked chassis was used, as well as a modified missile with a new warhead that increased the likelihood of damage, and with a radio fuse, the operation of which depended on the position of the missile relative to the target. However, the missile defense system, fueled with fuel and an oxidizer, had very limited possibilities for transportation over long distances. As you know, rockets with liquid-propellant rocket engines are contraindicated in significant vibration loads.
Satellite image of Google earth: the position of the HQ-2 air defense missile system in the vicinity of Urumqi
Over the years of production in the PRC of the HQ-2 air defense system, about 100 anti-aircraft battalions were transferred to the troops, more than 600 launchers and 5000 missiles were produced. The improvement of the HQ-2 air defense system was terminated by a strong-willed decision after the acquisition of the S-300PMU air defense system in Russia. The complexes of the latest most advanced serial modification HQ-2J are still in service with the PLA, but they are becoming less and less every year. The HQ-2 is still used in remote rear areas or in combination with modern anti-aircraft systems.
Satellite image of Google earth: the position of the HQ-2 air defense system in the vicinity of Beijing
So, for example, around Beijing, the HQ-2 air defense systems located on the approaches make up the "outer boundary" of the air defense. But more and more, outdated single-channel air defense systems with liquid-propellant missiles are replacing new complexes and systems of their own and Russian production. It can be stated with confidence that in a few years HQ-2 in the PRC can only be seen in a museum.
After the normalization of relations between our countries in 1991, negotiations began on the supply of modern air defense systems to the PRC. As part of a contract worth $ 220 million, in 1993 China received 4 S-300PMU divisions. The first batch of air defense systems included 32 trailed launchers 5P85T with a KrAZ-265V tractor. The launchers had 4 TPK with 5V55U missiles and 8 spare missiles. In 1994, under an additional contract, 120 missiles were delivered for training firing. The S-300PMU, which is an export towed version of the S-300PS air defense system, is capable of hitting 6 air targets simultaneously at a distance of up to 75 km with two missiles guided at each target. Several dozen Chinese civilian and military specialists were trained in Russia even before supplies began.
Satellite image of Google earth: the position of the C-300PMU air defense system in the suburbs of Beijing
In 1994, a new contract was signed worth 400 million dollars for the supply of 8 missiles, upgraded S-300PMU1. Under the contract, China received 32 launchers 5P85SE / DE and 196 ZUR 48N6E. The improved missiles have a semi-active radar guidance system with a firing range increased to 150 km. In 2001, the parties signed an additional contract worth $ 400 million, providing for the purchase of 8 more S-300PMU1 divisions.
Satellite image of Google earth: the position of the C-300PMU1 air defense system in the suburbs of Beijing
In 2003, Chinese representatives expressed a desire to purchase the improved S-300PMU2. The order included 64 5P85SE2 / DE2 launchers and 256 48N6E2 missiles. The first divisions were delivered to the customer in 2007. The improved anti-aircraft missile system is capable of simultaneously firing at 6 air targets at a range of up to 200 km and an altitude of up to 27 km. With the adoption of these air defense systems, China for the first time received the ability to intercept ballistic missiles at a distance of up to 40 km.
Satellite image of Google earth: the position of the C-300PMU2 air defense system on the coast of the Taiwan Strait, in the vicinity of the city of Longhai.
According to SIPRI, Russia delivered to the PRC: 4 S-300PMU missiles, 8 S-300PMU1 missiles and 12 S-300PMU2 missiles. Moreover, each division has 6 mobile launchers. In total, China acquired 24 S-300PMU / PMU1 / PMU2 divisions, which have 144 launchers. The S-300P air defense systems purchased in Russia are deployed around the most important administrative, industrial and defense centers and in the Taiwan Strait region. At the moment, Russian air defense systems of the S-300P family, along with their own HQ-9 air defense systems, form the basis of Beijing's air defense.
The HQ-9 air defense system began to enter the PLA anti-aircraft missile forces in the late 90s. Contrary to the opinion of "hurray-patriotic" Russian citizens, it is not a complete copy of the S-300P. It is quite obvious that the development of the HQ-9 began long before the Chinese familiarized themselves with the S-300PMU in detail. Although a number of successful technical solutions embodied in the S-300P family, the Chinese developers, of course, used them in their air defense systems. The HQ-9 anti-aircraft system uses another missile defense system, which is not compatible with the S-300P and differs in geometric dimensions. A radar with a CJ-202 HEADLIGHT is used for fire control. The launcher is mounted on the chassis of a Chinese-made four-axle heavy all-terrain vehicle. The HQ-9 hardware and software components are entirely made in China.
Six anti-aircraft battalions HQ-9 are combined into a brigade. Each missile defense station has its own command post and fire control radar. In the division 8 launchers, in readiness for launch, there are 32 missiles in the TPK. Currently, the construction of an improved HQ-9A air defense system is underway, which in its characteristics roughly corresponds to the Russian C-300PMU2 air defense system.
In April 2015, despite previous assurances that the sale of S-400 air defense systems abroad would be carried out only after the complete saturation of its own armed forces, the top military-political leadership of the Russian Federation authorized the supply of the latest anti-aircraft systems to the PRC. The details of the contract were not disclosed, but in the past, China has announced its desire to purchase 4 divisional kits. The first deliveries to the PRC are expected to begin in the second half of 2017. Many experts in the field of military-technical cooperation point out that 4 air defense systems for the PRC air defense are a “drop in the bucket”, and Russian systems are mainly purchased for informational purposes.
Back in the mid-80s, to replace the HQ-2 air defense system with liquid-propellant missiles, the development of the HQ-12 anti-aircraft complex with solid-propellant radio command missiles began. However, the creation and testing of this air defense system in the PRC dragged on. In 2009, several HQ-12 launchers marched in parade in Beijing during celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the PRC.
Satellite image of Google earth: the position of the HQ-12 air defense missile system in the vicinity of Baotou
Currently, about 10 HQ-12 anti-aircraft battalions are deployed in the former HQ-2 positions in the south and central part of the PRC. Not so long ago it became known about the creation of the HQ-12A air defense system with a launch range of more than 60 km. Compared to the HQ-2, the new air defense system has a longer range, much better mobility and does not require time-consuming maintenance of the air defense missile system and refueling with liquid fuel and an oxidizer. SAM HQ-12 does not shine with outstanding performance and innovative technical solutions. According to its data and conceptually, it rather corresponds to the level of the late 80s. But at the same time, it is a rather inexpensive complex for mass production, capable of covering secondary directions. The PRC is characterized by the capital arrangement of the positions of anti-aircraft systems, on which, in addition to concreted protected positions for launchers, control points and radar stations, capital shelters are equipped for personnel and communications equipment.
Satellite image of Google earth: the position of the HQ-12 air defense system in the area of the Shantou naval base
Another promising model presented to the general public in 2011 was the HQ-16 air defense system. According to a number of sources, its appearance is the result of a joint Sino-Russian project for the modernization of the ship-based air defense system "Shtil" installed on the destroyers of pr. 956 supplied to the PLA Navy. In turn, the sea air defense system "Shtil" has a lot in common with the Buk ". In terms of the used SAM, the unification between them is complete. But unlike the Buk and Shtil air defense systems, the Chinese HQ-16A anti-aircraft complex uses a “hot” vertical launch of missiles. The HQ-16A anti-aircraft battalion includes: the battalion's command post, a radar for detecting air targets and three fire batteries. Each battery consists of a radar for illumination and guidance and four to six self-propelled launchers based on three-axle off-road trucks. The new Chinese air defense system is multi-channel, it is capable of simultaneously firing at six targets, with up to four missiles aiming at each of them.
Satellite image of Google earth: the position of the HQ-16 air defense system in the vicinity of Chengdu
The first version of the HQ-16, testing of which began in 2005, had a range of destruction of air targets - 25 km. On the HQ-16A variant, the range was increased to 40 km; in 2012, the HQ-16B modification appeared with a launch range of 60 km. Since 2012, several HQ-16A / B divisions have been on alert, protecting critical facilities in the rear of China. However, at the moment, not many of them have been built and the complex, in fact, is in trial operation.
The Chinese Navy consists of 3 operational fleets: Southern, Eastern and Northern. In 2015, the PLA navy had more than 970 ships. Including an aircraft carrier, 25 destroyers, 48 frigates and 9 nuclear and 59 diesel submarines, 228 landing ships, 322 coast guard patrol ships, 52 minesweepers and 219 auxiliary vessels.
Recently, the pace of commissioning of warships in the PLA Navy can only be envied. Moreover, this applies to all types of warships, including submarines with ballistic missiles. The first Chinese SSBN of the Xia-class pr.092 was launched in April 1981. However, the finalization of the boat was delayed, and it was formally entered into the Navy's combat strength only in 1987. The operation of pr.092 in the PLA Navy was accompanied by a series of accidents. In fact, this boat, armed with 12 two-stage solid-propellant SLBMs JL-1 with a launch range of about 1700 km with a monoblock warhead with a capacity of 200-300 Kt, was an experimental ship and she never went on combat patrols.
Satellite image of Google earth: SSBN "Xia" during refitting in the dry dock of the nuclear submarine base in Qingdao
Nevertheless, the Xia SSBN played an important role in the formation of the Chinese naval nuclear forces, becoming a "school" for personnel training and a "floating stand" for technology development. Despite the imperfection of the design and a respectable age, the only submarine, project 092, remains in the PLA Navy. After repair and refurbishment, the nuclear submarine is used as an underwater test bench for new SLBMs.
Satellite image of Google earth: Chinese nuclear submarine parked in Qingdao
Most of the time "Xia" spends at the base of the nuclear submarine in the Qingdao area. The base is located on the coast of the Yellow Sea, 24 km east of Qingdao. Its size is 1.9 km across. The base has six berths, a dry dock, numerous ancillary facilities and an underground shelter for submarines in the southeastern part of the bay. As follows from the declassified reports of the US CIA, the construction of this facility began in the 70s. Its entrance, reinforced with reinforced concrete, has a width of more than 13 meters (the largest width of the boat "Xia" is 10 meters). It was specially built as a shelter for Chinese nuclear submarines. In addition to the above-water tunnel, you can observe two main ground entrances about 10 meters wide, one of which has a railway line. The size and location of the underground facility is unknown, but the size of the entrances gives an idea of what might be hidden under the rock. In addition to submarines, the facility appears to have a ballistic missile arsenal and storage for nuclear warheads, as well as ship repair and support equipment. In the 60s in the USSR on the Black Sea coast in Balaklava near Sevastopol, a similar underground shelter with a shipyard and a storage of nuclear weapons was built. However, the Soviet facility was intended only to house diesel-electric submarines.
In 2004, the first SSBN of the next generation, project 094 "Jin", was commissioned. Outwardly, these boats resemble the Soviet SSBNs of Project 667BDRM "Dolphin". To date, it is reliably known about six built boats of the "Jin" type, but, apparently, not all of them have been introduced into the combat composition of the fleet.
Satellite image of Google earth: SSBN 094 pr. At the naval base in Qingdao
Launching of the first boats of Project 094 and their armament complex continued until at least 2011. Only in 2014, two Chinese SSBNs were put on combat patrols. Type 094 submarines each carry 12 JL-2 SLBMs with a range of 8,000 km. The launch range of the JL-2 SLBM does not allow hitting targets deep in the United States. In this regard, the PRC is building SSBN pr. 096 "Teng". This submarine is supposed to be armed with 24 SLBMs with a firing range of at least 11,000 km, which will make it possible to confidently hit targets in the depths of enemy territory, while under the protection of its fleet and aviation.
Thus, it can be stated that in the coming years, the PRC will complete the formation of a full-fledged naval component of the strategic nuclear forces. Taking into account the pace of commissioning of new submarine missile carriers, according to Western experts in the field of strategic and naval weapons, by 2020 the PLA will have at least 8 SSBNs with 100 intercontinental SLBMs. Which is close to the number of missiles on Russian SSBNs, which are part of the duty forces.
Satellite image of Google earth: Chinese nuclear submarines at the naval base in Qingdao
In 1967, the first Chinese torpedo nuclear submarine, project 091 (of the "Han" type) was laid. Although it was transferred to the Navy in 1974, its operation began six years later. It took these years to eliminate a huge number of imperfections and defects, including in the nuclear power plant. In total, until 1991, 5 Han-class nuclear submarines were built. Despite the fact that the most recent nuclear-powered ships were armed with YJ-8Q anti-ship missiles during overhauls about 15 years ago, at the moment the Han-class nuclear submarines are hopelessly outdated. Launching anti-ship missiles is possible only on the surface, and in terms of noise level, Project 091 nuclear submarines are several times inferior to foreign submarines of a similar class. The three Han submarines are still formally part of the Navy, but their time has passed, and these first submarines with nuclear reactors, which have become a "training desk" for several generations of Chinese submariners, will soon be decommissioned.
Satellite image of Google earth: nuclear submarine pr. 093 and SSBN pr. 094 on the island of Hainan
In order to replace the outdated Han-class nuclear submarines, construction of the submarine pr. 093 (Shan-class) began in the late 90s. The first nuclear submarine of the new generation entered service in 2007. To date, the PRC has built 4 multipurpose nuclear submarines of project 093. According to foreign sources, in terms of their main characteristics, the Shan-class submarines are close to Soviet nuclear submarines of project 671RTM.
Submarine pr. 093 capable of striking enemy ships and coastal targets with YJ-82 cruise missiles, while submerged. There is also information that these nuclear submarines use new YJ-85 anti-ship missiles with a launch range of up to 140 km.
Satellite image of Google earth: nuclear submarine pr. 093 based on submarines in the vicinity of the city of Dalian
According to the ten-year shipbuilding program adopted in the PRC, 6 more Shan-class boats should be built according to the improved design. In addition, China is building a new generation of nuclear submarines, pr.097 (type "Kin"), which, in terms of their characteristics, should come close to the Russian and American multipurpose nuclear submarines. After 2020, the PLA Navy should have at least 20 nuclear submarines capable of operating in any area of the World Ocean.
Chinese nuclear submarines are based at naval bases in Qingdao, Dalian and Hainan Island. The naval base near Dalian is also used by diesel-electric boats. The first Chinese diesel-electric submarines were pr.033 submarines. This project was created in China on the basis of the Soviet pr. 633. In total, 84 boats of Project 033 were built at Chinese shipyards. At the moment, almost all of them have been written off.
On the basis of Project 033 in the PRC, they created a diesel-electric submarine of Project 035 (of the "Min" type). They differ from pr. 033 by a different design of the body and power plant. From 1975 to 2000, the Chinese submarine forces received 25 boats of this project. Some of them were built in modernized versions: project 035G and 035V. These modifications were received by the French GAS and improved combat control systems. Currently, the combat value of the Project 035 submarines is estimated to be low; they may be of limited operational capability in coastal areas, mainly for secret mine laying. Some of the boats of Project 035 in service are used as training and for testing new types of weapons.
On the basis of technical documentation received in the 80s from France, a diesel-electric submarine pr. 039 (of the "Sun" type) was created in the PRC. When designing this boat, elements of the architecture of the French submarine Agosta and our own developments were used. Particular attention is paid to reducing the noise level and increasing the combat potential. The hull of the boat of project 039 is covered with a special sound-insulating coating, as on the Russian boats of project 877. After the head boat of the Sun-class was launched in 1994, imperfections and flaws in the structure were eliminated for another six years.
The fate of the project was not determined for a long time period, and the PRC leadership had no confidence that the lead boat could be brought to a combat readiness state. All this time, while the identified shortcomings and tests were being eliminated, boats of this type were not built. Only after the project was revised, a series of 13 boats of project 039G was laid, the last of which entered service in 2007.
Satellite image of Google earth: diesel-electric submarines pr.039 in the Qingdao naval base
In terms of their combat potential, diesel-electric submarines pr. 039G correspond to the level of German and French boats built in the mid-80s. Of the standard 533 mm torpedo tubes, in addition to torpedoes, the underwater launch of YJ-82 anti-ship missiles with a range of 120 km is possible. This Chinese anti-ship missile is similar in its characteristics to the early modifications of the American UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile.
Satellite image of Google earth: diesel-electric submarines of project 039 and project 877 at the submarine base in the vicinity of the city of Dalian
The uncertainty of the future prospects of the boats of Project 039 and the moral and physical obsolescence of diesel-electric submarines of Project 033 and 035 led to the need to update the submarine fleet by purchasing modern non-nuclear submarines abroad. In 1995, the first two diesel-electric submarines of pr.877 EKM arrived from Russia. In 1996 and 1999, two more boats of Project 636 were delivered. The difference between pr. 636 and pr. 877 EKM is the use of modern on-board equipment and new technologies to reduce noise. In 2006, a contract was signed for the supply of six more boats of Project 636M. From the torpedo tubes of boats of this type in a submerged position, it is possible to launch the 3M54E1 Club-S anti-ship missile system. This missile with a range of up to 300 km is an export version of the Russian Kalibr-PL anti-ship missile.
Satellite image of Google earth: diesel-electric submarines pr.035 and pr.41 in the Lüshunkou naval base
On the basis of the Russian pr. 636 in the PRC, a diesel-electric submarine pr.041 (of the "Yuan" type) was created. Tests of the boat began in 2004. Initially, it was planned to equip the new Chinese submarine with an auxiliary air-independent power plant, but it was not possible to surpass the Russian project in terms of combat characteristics. Nevertheless, it is planned to build a series of 15 boats.
