The 48th Naval Escort Task Force Conducts Realistic Combat Training
In recent days, the Navy's 48th escort task force has conducted
comprehensive, multi-subject realistic combat training
to fully test the task force's
joint operational and emergency response capabilities

▲ The Tangshan ship underway
“Multiple small targets detected in the forward sea area, suspected pirate boats.”
“Helicopter launch deployment!”
On the flight deck of the Tangshan ship
the onboard helicopter takes off
quickly advancing
hovering at low altitude to lock onto the target
Upon verification, the suspicious target is a regular fishing boat


▲ Helicopter strike
After completing low-altitude penetration, covert reconnaissance,
and joint vigilance exercises
the sun has already set
the Gulf of Aden is shrouded in night
the more challenging night landing training begins
In the cockpit
the pilot closely monitors the instrument parameters
following the guidance of the ship's surface controller
constantly adjusting flight altitude, speed, and heading
precisely aligning with the ship's deck
landing steadily amidst wind and waves

▲ Guiding the helicopter to land

▲ Helicopter night landing
“Bearing xx, distance xx, detected ‘enemy’ maritime target!”
“Battle alarm!”
The next day, as dawn breaks over the Gulf of Aden
the task force receives a report of ‘enemy’ activity
the officers and soldiers quickly take their positions as deployed

▲ Officers and soldiers quickly rush to their battle stations
The task force ships swiftly turn to combat course
occupying advantageous attack positions
several shells roar out
accurately hitting the target


▲ The main gun of the Tangshan ship firing at sea
“Distance xx, bearing xx, detected ‘floating mine’!”
Special situations follow one after another
The Taihu ship quickly adjusts its course and speed
occupying the best attack position

▲ The Taihu ship underway
The ship's commander issues commands based on the ‘floating mine’ position
the gunner rotates the turret to lock onto the target
and carries out a fire strike
the ‘floating mine’ is accurately hit



▲ Taihu ship's artillery firing
Since the departure of the 48th escort task force
it has focused on mission tasks
and solidly carried out realistic combat training
enhancing the task force's capability to perform diverse missions
Authors: Du Jiangfan, Yang Hongtao, Ma Guangyuan, Tan Zhenzhen, Xu Taotao, Yu Zihao
The 48th Escort Task Force of the Chinese Navy conducted comprehensive combat training exercises in the Gulf of Aden, involving helicopter operations and artillery fire against simulated threats. The exercises included low-altitude reconnaissance and night landing operations, enhancing the task force's combat readiness and operational capabilities.
- The 48th Escort Task Force conducted multi-faceted combat training exercises.
- Helicopters were deployed for reconnaissance and engagement during the exercises.
- Artillery fire was executed against simulated threats in the Gulf of Aden.
- The training included night landing operations for helicopters.
- The task force improved its operational capabilities through these exercises.