Chinese Naval Aviation Conducts Joint Day-and-Night Anti-Submarine Drills in South China Sea

A Chinese People's Liberation Army Naval Aviation unit conducted day-and-night joint anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises in the South China Sea, according to state and military media reports. The exercise paired long-range fixed-wing ASW patrol aircraft with ASW helicopters from adjacent units via integrated data links. The training focused on tactical coordination, re-acquiring targets that deployed acoustic decoys and executed evasive maneuvers, and sustaining operations across day and night cycles.

Anti-submarine warfare remains one of the most critical operational disciplines for establishing maritime control in contested waters like the South China Sea. Demonstrating tactical data-link integration and real-time response to submarine countermeasures reflects ongoing efforts by the Chinese military to field a layered, multi-platform ASW shield.

A People's Liberation Army Naval Aviation unit staged a day-and-night joint anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise over waters in the South China Sea, according to reports published by China Military Online and People's Daily. Upon receiving orders to investigate an unidentified underwater contact, a fixed-wing ASW patrol aircraft deployed to the designated operational area. The aircrew deployed multiple sonobuoys across the search zone and established a real-time data link with ASW helicopters deployed from adjacent units. According to the official accounts, the units operated under a tactical division of labor described as "broad-area coverage and focused screening." The fixed-wing patrol aircraft utilized its extended range and multi-sensor payload to monitor the wider operating area, while rotary-wing aircraft received shared situational data via an integrated information network to conduct detailed inspections of suspicious coordinates. A unit commander stated that the unit regularly conducts "small-system grouping" exercises with neighboring helicopter units and surface combatants to build coordination in realistic combat environments. During the tactical phase of the exercise, the combined formation confirmed the contact as a simulated opposing submarine and acquired target lock to prepare for a mock strike. The target attempted to evade by launching decoys and maneuvering through complex hydrological conditions, temporarily severing the tracking signal. The fixed-wing aircraft crew recalculated the submarine's projected route based on its last known speed and heading, dropping additional sonobuoys along potential escape routes. Simultaneously, the ASW helicopter conducted multi-dimensional signal analysis over the suspicious sector. The dual-aircraft team successfully re-acquired the target and completed simulated weapon releases. After concluding the daytime phase, the fixed-wing aircraft returned to base for rapid maintenance checks before taking off again to carry out night-phase ASW operations alongside partner units.