Beijing is developing specific invasion plans and practicing new methods.
China is mobilizing an armada of civilian ships that could assist in the event of an invasion of Taiwan, Reuters reports in its investigation. According to the agency's estimates, the operation could surpass the scale of the Allied landings in Normandy during World War II. Reuters cites ship tracking data and satellite images that showed the role of civilian vessels in China's naval exercises this summer.
The agency tracked the movements of more than 100 civilian ships involved in the exercises. Twelve civilian vessels — six ferries and six cargo ships — moved toward the shore for landings in Guangdong province. Satellite images captured cargo ships unloading equipment directly onto the shore using a ramp — the first time such a tactic has been documented during PLA exercises.
Experts in naval warfare told Reuters that the exercises demonstrate China is developing specific invasion plans and practicing new methods aimed at accelerating the landing of troops and equipment onshore to suppress Taiwan's defenders. According to estimates from Taiwanese and American military experts, the Chinese military has enough ships and landing vessels to transport about 20,000 soldiers with equipment across the strait in the first wave of landings.
For the needs of the Marine Corps, dedicated floating airfields have been created — universal landing ships of the Type 075 and dock landing ships of the Type 071. Both types of ships are adapted for over-the-horizon landings. Tank landing ships of the Type 072A are intended not only for marines but also for amphibious units of the ground forces preserved against Taiwan.
The aviation brigade of the Marine Corps is equipped with Z-8C transport helicopters and Z-9D light anti-submarine helicopters. Multi-role Z-20s are planned, including an assault landing variant and reconnaissance drones. The Z-20J variant has been adopted into service. China is interested in Russian Ka-52K 'Katran' attack helicopters. The Z-9D helicopter carries up to four YJ-9 missiles in several configurations. The Z-20F can carry 8 AKD-10 anti-tank missiles or two blocks of unguided rockets. The value of the Z-8C transport helicopter lies in its payload capacity and ability to transport light all-terrain vehicles.
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