"Unity of Kūkai, Multi-Domain Coordination" - Demonstrating Resolve in Combat Readiness Patrols of Huangyan Island

At the end of January 2026, the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army organized naval and air forces to conduct combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters and airspace around Huangyan Island, China. After the Southern Theater Command's H-6K bombers and fighter jets formed a formation and flew to the airspace over Huangyan Island, they cruised in a southeast direction. The Type 055 missile destroyers and Type 054A missile frigates surged forward, demonstrating their determination to defend national sovereignty.

"Integrated Air and Sea, Multi-Domain Coordination"

Combat readiness patrols around Huangyan Island demonstrate resolve

Military Expert Zhang Junsha: The deployment of air force aircraft and naval vessels patrolling the waters around Huangyan Island, showcasing the "integrated air and sea, multi-domain coordination," can more effectively and powerfully defend national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

First, the air force aircraft equipped with long-range anti-air and anti-ship missiles and the naval vessels acting together demonstrate our military's firm resolve and strong capability to maintain territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, forming a powerful strategic deterrent.

Secondly, this "integrated air and sea, multi-domain coordination" deployment greatly enhances battlefield awareness and rapid response and strike capabilities, allowing for more effective responses to maritime crises and armed conflicts that may arise from provocations by individual countries' vessels and aircraft.

Deep Blue Light Cavalry

Demonstrating strong three-dimensional offensive and defensive capabilities

In the patrol formation, the Type 054A frigate serves as the Deep Blue Light Cavalry, playing an indispensable role.

The bow of the ship is equipped with a new generation vertical launch system, which has advantages such as a large payload capacity, short reaction time, and 360-degree launch capability without dead angles, allowing for the simultaneous hot launch of various types of missiles, including ship-to-air missiles and anti-submarine missiles. It is the first frigate in our country to be equipped with a vertical launch system.

At the very front of the ship's bow deck is a multi-barrel launcher, primarily used for launching anti-submarine depth charges, which can be considered standard equipment for "Shark Hunters." Additionally, it can launch smoke bombs, anti-saboteur munitions, and more, making it a "mini multi-tool."

(Source: China Central Television Defense Military Channel's "Forge Sword" program)