PLA Navy stages live-fire drills in South China Sea

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy recently conducted several days of multi-domain, combat-oriented live-fire drills in the South China Sea. The exercise involved the comprehensive replenishment ship Honghu, the guided-missile frigate Hengyang, and naval aviation units, all operating around the clock. 

The drills started at dawn as the Honghu entered the designated area and faced a simulated floating-mine threat. 

The vessel quickly changed course, positioned itself, and destroyed the mines with its forward and aft guns under orders from the command post.

 Participating units also conducted shipborne helicopter takeoffs and landings, joint search-and-rescue drills, live-fire light-weapon drills, and formation maneuvers, thereby enhancing their all-weather, full-domain combat support capabilities.