Improving the air defense system of the People's Republic of China against the background of strategic rivalry with the United States (part 9)
In the middle of 70's, relations between Moscow and Beijing became so acute that the parties began to seriously consider the possibility of using nuclear weapons against each other. weapons. At the same time, the Soviet Union had an overwhelming superiority over China in the number of nuclear warheads and their delivery vehicles. The Chinese territory was threatened not only by medium-range ballistic missiles, but also by numerous Soviet bombers carrying free-falling nuclear bombs and cruise missiles. Due to its geographical location, China was very vulnerable to air attack from the North and the West. During the Cold War, the Soviet Air Force had a large fleet of bombers. Not only Tu-16, Tu-22 and Tu-95 long-range bombers, but also front-line Il-28s and Su-24s, based in the Central Asian Soviet republics, Eastern Siberia, Transbaikalia, and the Amur Region, could strike at objects on Chinese territory. , Khabarovsk and Primorsky territories. Taking into account the fact that the Soviet military contingent was deployed on the territory of Mongolia and there were jump airfields, and from the Mongol-Chinese border to Beijing about 600 km, within the reach of the Soviet front-line attack aviation It turned out to be the Chinese capital. This largely cooled the "hot heads" in Beijing and the Chinese leadership, realizing their weakness, despite the warlike rhetoric, tried not to cross the "red line". So, in March 1979, Soviet bomber aircraft, making demonstrative flights along the borders with the PRC, became one of the factors leading to the withdrawal of Chinese troops from Vietnamese territory.
This is not to say that the Chinese leadership and the PLA high command did nothing to reduce potential vulnerability from Soviet bombers. In the PRC, in 70-80-s, there was a massive construction of very large and well-fortified underground shelters for equipment, weapons, the urban population and the personnel of the armed forces. The military bases and aviation regiments were dispersed. Inheritance from the times of the Soviet-Chinese confrontation in the PRC left a large number of capital takeoff and landing shelters, carved into the rocks. Above the mines of a few Chinese ballistic missiles with the aim of camouflage, rapidly demolished house models were erected, and false starting positions were equipped in the area.
In addition to building shelters and implementing organizational measures to reduce possible damage from a nuclear strike, HQ-2 air defense systems were deployed on the most probable flight routes of Soviet bombers, interceptor airfields and anti-aircraft batteries were deployed. Realizing that the available forces are not enough to protect the entire territory, the Chinese leadership tried to cover especially important administrative and economic centers in the most vulnerable position with anti-aircraft missile systems and fighters. First of all, this applied to such cities as Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan and Shenyang. The 57, 85 and 100-mm and HQ-2 anti-aircraft artillery positions were especially densely positioned north and north-west of these cities. On the coast, adjacent to the Taiwan Strait, SAM and anti-aircraft artillery batteries deployed in the vicinity of Zhangzhou and Quanzhou. The north-west of the People's Republic of China was very weakly defended in anti-aircraft weapons, only around Urumq in the Xinjiang-Uygur Autonomous Region three divisions of the HQ-2 air defense system were deployed. At the same time, a thick network of radar posts was located along the perimeter of the Soviet-Chinese border. As a rule, radar stations were installed on points dominating the terrain, no closer than 60-70 km from the state border. The second radar belt in northwest China was located deep in the area at a distance of 400-600 km. To intercept the invaders from this direction in the sparsely populated western and northwestern regions of the PRC, several airfields were built, where the J-6 and J-7 fighters were based. In total, as of the middle of the 80-x, more than 60 of the HQ-2 anti-aircraft missile battalions were on combat duty in China.
After the normalization of relations between our countries, much of the position of the air defense system as the first modifications of HQ-2 were written off was eliminated. By the end of the 1990-s, almost all of the 85-100-mm anti-aircraft guns, which were about 1970 units in the PLA in the 8000-s, were written off. A small number of large-caliber anti-aircraft guns are still preserved in the coastal defense units in the area of Bohai Bay and the Taiwan Strait.
Google Earth satellite image: ZQK HQ-2J position in 100 km north of Beijing
Currently, the positions of the NQ-2J SAM system have been preserved on secondary destinations in the interior regions of the PRC. Several complexes with rockets working on liquid fuel and an oxidizer are deployed near Beijing. Direct anti-aircraft defense of the Chinese capital is provided by modern long-range anti-aircraft missile systems: the Russian C-300PMU / PMU1 and the Chinese HQ-9 / A and five air regiments on J-7B / E, J-8II J-11А / B fighters. It should be expected that, in connection with the development of a ZRS-CNUMXPMU resource, they will be replaced in the near future by new long-range anti-aircraft systems. At the moment, the air defense systems of the S-XNUMPPMU covering Beijing are on duty from the eastern direction with a truncated composition, which is most likely due to the lack of standardized missiles.
Google Earth satellite image: ZS-XNUMPPMU position in 300 km northeast of Beijing
Modernized HQ-2J SAMs, along with relatively modern HQ-12, are considered as an addition to long-range multi-channel SAMs. At the moment, Beijing is second only to Moscow in terms of the density of cover from air attack weapons. In total, three dozen medium-range and long-range air defense systems provide security for the Chinese capital from air attack weapons.
The layout of the radar posts (blue diamonds), the position of the air defense system (colored triangles) and air bases near Beijing
According to Western data, the number of anti-aircraft missile divisions deployed in fixed positions in the PRC is 110-120 units. Of these, modern systems and systems are armed with about 80% srdn. The Chinese are very zealous in preserving the existing infrastructure. Capital positions, where obsolete HQ-2 air defense systems were located in the past, are preserved in most cases; modern anti-aircraft systems are deployed on them after reconstruction. Unlike our country, where hundreds of expensive defense facilities were destroyed in the framework of “reforming” and “giving a new look”, in China they strictly monitor the targeted use and preservation of the existing infrastructure.
The distribution of medium and long-range anti-aircraft missile systems throughout the territory of the PRC is very significant. The main part of the Chinese air defense system covers industrial and administrative centers located in a comfortable climate zone for living.
The Russian-made anti-aircraft missile systems, in addition to the vicinity of Beijing, are concentrated in the areas of Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Quanzhou, Zhangzhou - that is, for the most part along the coast.
Google Earth satellite image: A-300PMU-2 SIR position near the runway of Xiayuan airbase in the vicinity of Quanzhou
Modern and long-range ZRS 300PMU-2 mainly deployed near the Taiwan Strait and in the zone of action of American combat aircraft based in Japan and South Korea. Western observers have noted that the C-XNUMPPMU missiles, delivered more than 300 years ago, are gradually being replaced in the PRC by their own HQ-25А. So, in positions near Shanghai, where the C-9PMU was stationed in the past, it is now on duty at the HQ-300А A / S.
Anti-aircraft systems and complexes of its own production HQ-64, HQ-9, HQ-12 and HQ-16 are deployed to protect especially valuable objects in the depths of China and in the border areas of southern and north-western regions.
Special attention is paid to the air defense of the deployment areas of Chinese ICBMs, aerospace enterprises and nuclear energy. For example, around the city of Shenyang, where the aircraft factory is located, specializing in the construction of heavy fighters J-11 and J-16, three divisions of the HQ-9A air defense missile system and the HQ-16 air defense missile system are permanently deployed. The aircraft factory and test center in Xi'an covers an anti-aircraft missile regiment, which consists of three HQ-9 air defense systems.
One of the first serial HQ-9 SAM systems was deployed in Tibet, near the Gonggar airbase, in an area in close proximity to the disputed sections of the Sino-Indian border.
In addition, more recently, the Chinese long-range HQ-9A air defense systems are located outside the mainland of China. According to satellite images released in February of 2016, the People’s Republic of China has deployed the HQ-9A AAMS division on Woody Island, part of the archipelago of the controversial Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.
Google Earth satellite image: HQ-12 air defense system in the vicinity of Baotou. This position is deployed at the place where, until 2006, the HQ-2A air defense system was on combat duty. Next to mobile launchers, transport and charging machines
The southern direction from Vietnam is protected by eight divisions of the air defense system HQ-12. Around the city of Baotou in the Inner Mongolia region there are three HQ-12 bays. Although this ZRK is inferior in its capabilities to the long-range HQ-9 / 9А / 9В and С-300ПМУ / ПМУ-1 / ПМУ-2 long-range missiles, but it is much cheaper. Currently, HQ-12 is the most widespread anti-aircraft missile system, carrying a constant combat duty in the air defense forces of the PRC.
The air bases and some strategic objects located not only on the coast, but also in the depth of the territory are covered with a short-range air defense system HQ-64 and HQ-7. HQ-64 ADMS batteries are on duty at the position for a long period of time, and HQ-7 batteries on a rotational basis.
Google Earth satellite image: short-range air defense system position in Hong Kong, equipment covered with camouflage nets
Observers note that the number of equipped short-range air defense systems in the vicinity of air bases, ports, radar stations and other important facilities located along the coast has recently increased significantly.
Taking into account the existing experience, it is quite possible that the HQ-17 air defense systems are involved in the combat duty and cover of airfields, fixed radar stations and long-range air defense systems.
Google Earth satellite image: HQ-64А positioning system in the vicinity of the Longtian airfield runway
The direct anti-aircraft cover of the Longtian PLA airbase closest to Taiwan is provided by the HQ-64A anti-aircraft missile and artillery system battery. On this base, in 2016, the unmanned squadron of radio-controlled aircraft J-6 was deployed, which, judging by satellite images, regularly take to the air.
In the case of the outbreak of hostilities, outdated remote-controlled J-6 fighters will act as false targets, taking the blow of the enemy's air defense weapons. There is reason to believe that in addition to the remote control equipment, unmanned Kamikazes have jam stations and missiles designed to destroy enemy radars.
It is worthwhile to dwell separately on the ranges available in the PRC, where test-training and test launches of medium-range and long-range anti-aircraft missiles are carried out. In 80 km east of the city of Tangshan, in the Hebei province, on the shores of the Bohai Gulf is the ground for the Air Defense Forces.
Here, in the direction of the marine waters 2-3 times a year are carried out control and training of shooting combatant battalions of S HQ-2J, HQ-12, and SAM HQ-9 and C-300PMU / PMU-1 / PMU-2 combat duty around Beijing , in the vicinity of Qingdao, Nanjing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Quanzhou and Zhangzhou.
The J-6 and H-5 radio-controlled targets start from Qinhuangdao-Shanhaiguan airbase, located in 70 km to the north. Here, at the time of the exercise, long-range H-6 missile-carrier bombers are based, from which cruise missile simulators are launched.
In 2017, construction began on a missile test site in Shaanxi province, 50 km north of the city of Xi'an. In this area, in addition to the five starting positions, there is a large radar station with several JY-27, JYL-1 and YLC-2 radars. Also on a permanent basis on the territory of the landfill are two divisions of air defense systems HQ-9.
Google Earth Satellite Image: Nanhukong Test Site, 50 km east of Zhangye City District, Gansu Province
There are four sites around the Jiuquan administrative center in Gansu province, within the 200-300 radius, from where regular test and control and training launches of anti-aircraft missiles are conducted. Due to the low population density, this desert region is very well suited for firing missiles.
In 20 km north of the Jiuquan Cosmodrome, there is the legendary test site No. 72, where all Chinese medium-range and long-range anti-aircraft missile systems and the Russian C-300PMU / PMU-1 / PMU-2 were tested in the past.
It was on the site number 72 in December 2018 of the year test and test firing of the Russian C-400 SAMs were conducted. In a number of Russian media, in January 2019 of the year was published unconfirmed information that during the firing of the 48H6E SAM at a distance of 250 km struck a ballistic target flying at a speed of 3 km / s. This news caused a big boost among the "patriotic" minded Russian citizens, and those who are at least a little familiar with the capabilities of modern air defense technology, shrugged their shoulders in surprise. Interested in this question, I tried to find more information on the C-400 tests on the Chinese Internet. A number of sources state that the ballistic target was launched from a distance of 250 km, but nothing was said about the distance at which it was intercepted.
As you know, C-400 is a system designed primarily to combat aerodynamic targets, but it is capable of intercepting short-range ballistic missiles. According to the materials published in the course of arms exhibitions and international aerospace showrooms, the maximum range of target designation of the 91H6E radar for ballistic targets with EPR 0,5 m² - 240 km. The maximum firing range for large small-maneuvre targets: the long-range B-52 bombers and the KS-135 tankers - 250 km. The maximum boundary of the cover zone in range from ballistic missiles is 60 km. For comparison: as part of the upgraded C-300B4 system, the 9М82М rocket 5800 kg, with a launch range for slow aerodynamic targets at medium altitudes around 400 km, is specially designed for air defense / missile defense of the front-line level of ground forces. As is known from open sources, the weight of the 48H6E SAM is about 1900 kg. Most of the mass of these missiles accounts for solid fuel. The maximum speed of the rocket 9M82M - 7,85 M, the rocket 48N6E of the area - 7,5 M. Taking into account the fact that in the People's Republic of China long-range ZUR 40N6E with active homing .
It can be stated that due to the change in the military-political situation and the balance of power in the world, in the 21 century the layout of the stationary positions of the air defense system has changed dramatically. In the past, the HQ-2 air defense system was located in the north-east and north-west of the People's Republic of China, along the path of the most probable flight routes of the Soviet long-range bomber. Now most of the positions in the north-western part of China have been liquidated, and there are no anti-aircraft missile systems along the border with the Russian Far Eastern territories.
A particularly significant concentration of modern anti-aircraft systems and Su-30MKK, J-10А / В and J-11А / В fighters is observed in areas that are within the range of the Taiwan Air Force. The Air Force of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has about 380 combat aircraft. Of these, the most valuable are the 125 multi-purpose fighter F-CK-1 "Chingo". This aircraft is based on the American F-16, but has two engines and is distinguished by the composition of the avionics and weapons. Also in the composition of the Taiwanese air force there are fighters: F-5Е / F, F-16A / В and Mirage 2000-5.
The most likely opponents of the Chinese air defense system are also considered to be long-range bombers carrying cruise missiles. As an intermediate airfield for US long-range bombers in the Asia-Pacific zone, the US Air Force Andersen Air Base on Guam Island, operated by the 36 Air Wing, is used. Here, on a rotational basis are on duty fighter F-15C and F-22A (12-16 units), long-distance unmanned reconnaissance RQ-4 Global Hawk (3-4 units), B-52N Stratofortress, B-1V Lancer, B-2A Spirit (6-10 units). If necessary, the aviation grouping on Guam can be increased by 4-5 by one day in a day. The F-15C and F-22A fighters, the KC-135R tankers, and the C-17A military transport aircraft belonging to the 15-th wing and the 154-nd Air Force wing of the National Air Force are assigned to the Hikkam airbase in Hawaii. Although the Hikkam airbase is sufficiently distant from the coast of the People's Republic of China, it can be used as an intermediate aerodrome, and for basing tanker aircraft and long-range bombers. And fighters stationed here on a permanent basis, can be quickly transferred to the air bases of Japan and South Korea.
A potential threat to China is represented by combat aircraft of the US Air Force Command in the Pacific Ocean (Pacific Air Force) with headquarters at the Hikkam airbase, Hawaii. The Pacific Command is: 5 (Japan), 7 (Republic of Korea), 11 (Alaska) and 13 (Hawaii) air armies. As part of the 5 Army Air Force with headquarters at the Yokota airbase, the 18-e wing, deployed at the Kadena airbase, is considered the main strike force. F-15C / D 44 and 67 squadrons are based here. Refueling in the air of American fighters stationed in Japan, provide KC-135R 909 th squadron of tanker aircraft. Guidance on airborne targets and the general guidance of combat aircraft operations outside the zone of visibility of ground-based radars are assigned to the 961 squadron of the radar patrol and control, equipped with DRLO and E-3C Sentry aircraft. Regular reconnaissance flights along the coast of the People's Republic of China are carried out by the RC-135V / W Rivet Joint aircraft and the long-range high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance aircraft RQ-4 Global Hawk. Intelligence functions are also assigned to the base patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon, P-3С Orion and radio intelligence reconnaissance aircraft EP-3E Aries II of the US Navy, which are located at the Kadena airbase. F-16C / D 13 and 14 squadrons of the 35 th Fighter Wing are deployed at the Misawa airbase.
The naval base "Yokosuka" is a place of permanent forward bases of US aircraft carriers. Since 2008, the Nimitz nuclear aircraft carrier - George Washington (USS George Washington (CVN-73)) has been located here. Recently, he was replaced on duty in Japan by the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)). Deck planes of the US Navy use the Atsugi airbase for coast-based, the aircraft of the 5 aircraft carrier wing are located on it. It consists of three F / A-18E / F Super Hornet fighter-assault squadrons, EA-18 Growler electronic warfare squadron, E-2C / D Hawkeye DRLO squadron, as well as deck transport aircraft and helicopters for various purposes.
On the territory of Japan on a permanent basis is about 200 combat aircraft of the Air Force and the US Navy. In addition to American fighters on a permanent basis based on Japanese airfields in the Air Forces of Japan, there are: 190 heavy fighter F-15J / DJ, 60 light F-2A / B (more advanced Japanese version of F-16), around 40 multi-purpose F-4EJ and roughly 10 scouts RF-4EJ / EF-4EJ. Also in the United States ordered X-NUMX fighter F-42. The forces of the 35 Air Force, stationed in South Korea, are represented by the 7 Fighter Aviation Regiment - 8 F-42C / D (Kunsan Air Base) and the 16 Fighter Airwing - 51 F-36C / D, belonging to the 16 fighter air wing - 36 F-24C / D, belonging to the 10 fighter air wing - 25 F-7C / D, belonging to 460 fighter aircraft and 5 attack aircraft A-16C Thunderbolt II from the 15 th Fighter Squadron. Approximately 4 South Korean fighter jets should be added to the XNUMX AA forces: F-XNUMXE / F, F-XNUMXС / D, F-XNUMXК and F-XNUMXE. In the event of a military collision between the United States and the People's Republic of China, if they do not participate in the air strikes on Chinese territory, they will definitely be used for air defense of American air bases.
Thus, the combined aviation grouping of the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea, taking into account combat aircraft of the Republic of China, is almost equal in number to the entire PLA Air Force fighter fleet. At the same time, it will be easier for Chinese fighters to carry out defensive military operations over the territory of the PRC adjacent to the coastal areas due to the presence of a large number of alternate air strips and numerous ground-based radar posts. As for the US aircraft carrier strike groups, given the increased power of the Chinese coastal defense forces equipped with numerous modern anti-ship missiles, their presence in the territorial waters of the PRC is impossible. Moreover, the Chinese fleet and strike aviation of the PLA Air Force and Navy, located on coastal airfields, is quite able to force American aircraft carriers to travel more than the combat radius of the F-A-18 E / F carrier-based fighter-bombers. Chinese interceptors, operating in conjunction with medium-range and long-range anti-aircraft missile systems, are capable of inflicting unacceptable losses on enemy bomber aircraft. In this regard, it should be expected that the first strike on key Chinese defense facilities will be delivered by cruise missiles launched from long-range bombers, surface ships and submarines.
According to information published in open sources, as part of the duty forces of the American 7th fleet there are always carriers capable of launching at least 500 sea-based cruise missiles RGM / UGM-109 Tomahawk. The most modern modification is the RGM / UGM-109E Tactical Tomahawk missile launcher with a launch range of 1600 km and an air defense missile defense of 10 m. The AGM-86C / D CALCM cruise missiles launched by the Air Force US are long-range bombers B-52H. On one bomber can be placed up to 20 KR. AGM-86C / D can hit ground targets at ranges up to 1100 km. In the case of using the Litton noise-free guidance system corrected by the 3rd generation GPS satellite navigation signals, the probable circular deviation from the aiming point is 3 m.
B-1B, B-2A, B-52H bombers, as well as tactical and carrier-based aircraft of the F-16C / D, F-15Е and F / A-18E / F are capable of carrying AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles. The B-52H bomber can take 12 such missiles, B-1B - 24 missiles, B-2 - 16 missiles, F-16C / D fighters, F / A-18E / F - 2 missiles, F-15E - 3 missiles Today, the advanced CRM AGM-158B JASSM-ER is serially manufactured with a launch range of 980 km. Speed on the route - 780-1000 km / h. The average deviation from the aiming point - 3 m. The rocket is capable of hitting both stationary and mobile targets. Aircraft F-15E, F / A-18C / D, F / A-18E / F, P-3C, P-8A are capable of hitting land targets with AGM-84 SLAM missiles. This rocket is based on the AGM-84 Harpoon PCR, but has a different guidance system. Instead of the active RGSN in SLAM, an inertial system with GPS correction and the possibility of remote TV is used. In 2000, the AGM-84H SLAM-ER was adopted for armament, which represents the deep processing of AGM-84E SLAM. SLAM-ER is able to independently identify the target according to the data previously stored in the on-board computer of the rocket or guided by the commands of the operator. The missile has the ability to hit targets at a distance of 270 km. Flight speed - 855 km / h. The AGM-150 HARM rocket is designed to combat surveillance radars and guidance stations at the range of 88 km. It can be carried by all American tactical and carrier-based aircraft in service.
Under the conditions of widespread use by the enemy of cruise missiles, camouflaging and dispersing fighters to alternate aerodromes will be of particular importance. The existing underground shelters cut into the rocks will also play a role. There is no doubt that based on the experience of using American high-precision aviation weapons and cruise missiles in local conflicts, the PLA command drew appropriate conclusions and was concerned about the creation of EW equipment capable of reducing the effectiveness of guided munitions, which use navigation positioning signals and remote control for guidance. . The effectiveness of the use of anti-radar missiles will be seriously reduced through the use of generators that simulate the operation of radar stations. In the event of a negative forecast of the development of a crisis situation and the announcement of a “threatened period”, anti-aircraft missile divisions, mobile radars and mobile communications centers should move to pre-prepared reserve deployment areas, and the old, well-known enemy positions will have pre-fabricated radars and traps. In the process of deploying anti-aircraft missile battalions, careful masking of real and equipment of false positions is carried out, with simultaneous observance of the radio silence mode. Provided that these measures are carried out in time, the effectiveness of striking with cruise missiles can be many times reduced, and attacks by a manned strike aircraft under conditions of an un-suppressed air defense system will be fraught with very significant losses.
With a high degree of confidence, it can be argued that in the event of an attack on objects in China, the PRC leadership will issue an order to retaliate attacking missile-bombing attacks on the bases from which the air assault weapons have risen. At the present level of development of the PRC's air defense, in armed conflict, in which only conventional ammunition will be used, the air attack of the United States and its allies will fail with acceptable losses to suppress the Chinese air defense system and to gain air superiority over the mainland of China.
It is impossible not to note the giant progress in improving the defense of the PRC. The Chinese top military-political leadership in the framework of military reform and modernization of the armed forces strive to create the maximum balance between modern fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft missile forces. The construction of the air defense system of China is carried out taking into account the development experience and achievements achieved by the air defense forces of the USSR and Russia. In the last decade, the fleet of ground-based radar stations has been updated by more than 70%, and approximately 20 DRLO aircraft are in service. Thanks to the introduction of combat information and control of automated systems, ground-based radar and airborne radar pickets are linked into one network. Interceptors and modern anti-aircraft missile systems are equipped with high-speed data exchange equipment in the closed mode. Information flows and the issuance of timely target designation is the responsibility of regional commands. Already, China’s air defense system is one of the best in the world and is capable of causing unacceptable damage to any enemy, effectively covering strategic facilities and troops.
Based on:
http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2017/11/denarhanud-rudal-bontang-uji-coba-rudal.html
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/fn-6.htm
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2016/07/china-upgrading-air-defenses-at.html
http://english.chinamil.com.cn/view/2018-08/31/content_9268695.htm
https://defenceforumindia.com/forum/threads/china-to-hold-military-parade-to-mark-victory-of-anti-japanese-war-on-3rd-sep.68826/page-4
http://trishul-trident.blogspot.com/2018/11/airshow-china-2018-highlights.html
ttps: //www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/2179564/chinese-missile-force-puts-new-russian-s-400-air-defence-system
http://chinesemilitaryreview.blogspot.com/2014/11/fb-10-short-range-air-defense-missile.htmlhttp://www.ecns.cn/hd/2018-08-01/detail-ifywsspt3615294.shtml
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This is not to say that the Chinese leadership and the PLA high command did nothing to reduce potential vulnerability from Soviet bombers. In the PRC, in 70-80-s, there was a massive construction of very large and well-fortified underground shelters for equipment, weapons, the urban population and the personnel of the armed forces. The military bases and aviation regiments were dispersed. Inheritance from the times of the Soviet-Chinese confrontation in the PRC left a large number of capital takeoff and landing shelters, carved into the rocks. Above the mines of a few Chinese ballistic missiles with the aim of camouflage, rapidly demolished house models were erected, and false starting positions were equipped in the area.
In addition to building shelters and implementing organizational measures to reduce possible damage from a nuclear strike, HQ-2 air defense systems were deployed on the most probable flight routes of Soviet bombers, interceptor airfields and anti-aircraft batteries were deployed. Realizing that the available forces are not enough to protect the entire territory, the Chinese leadership tried to cover especially important administrative and economic centers in the most vulnerable position with anti-aircraft missile systems and fighters. First of all, this applied to such cities as Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan and Shenyang. The 57, 85 and 100-mm and HQ-2 anti-aircraft artillery positions were especially densely positioned north and north-west of these cities. On the coast, adjacent to the Taiwan Strait, SAM and anti-aircraft artillery batteries deployed in the vicinity of Zhangzhou and Quanzhou. The north-west of the People's Republic of China was very weakly defended in anti-aircraft weapons, only around Urumq in the Xinjiang-Uygur Autonomous Region three divisions of the HQ-2 air defense system were deployed. At the same time, a thick network of radar posts was located along the perimeter of the Soviet-Chinese border. As a rule, radar stations were installed on points dominating the terrain, no closer than 60-70 km from the state border. The second radar belt in northwest China was located deep in the area at a distance of 400-600 km. To intercept the invaders from this direction in the sparsely populated western and northwestern regions of the PRC, several airfields were built, where the J-6 and J-7 fighters were based. In total, as of the middle of the 80-x, more than 60 of the HQ-2 anti-aircraft missile battalions were on combat duty in China.
After the normalization of relations between our countries, much of the position of the air defense system as the first modifications of HQ-2 were written off was eliminated. By the end of the 1990-s, almost all of the 85-100-mm anti-aircraft guns, which were about 1970 units in the PLA in the 8000-s, were written off. A small number of large-caliber anti-aircraft guns are still preserved in the coastal defense units in the area of Bohai Bay and the Taiwan Strait.
Google Earth satellite image: ZQK HQ-2J position in 100 km north of Beijing
Currently, the positions of the NQ-2J SAM system have been preserved on secondary destinations in the interior regions of the PRC. Several complexes with rockets working on liquid fuel and an oxidizer are deployed near Beijing. Direct anti-aircraft defense of the Chinese capital is provided by modern long-range anti-aircraft missile systems: the Russian C-300PMU / PMU1 and the Chinese HQ-9 / A and five air regiments on J-7B / E, J-8II J-11А / B fighters. It should be expected that, in connection with the development of a ZRS-CNUMXPMU resource, they will be replaced in the near future by new long-range anti-aircraft systems. At the moment, the air defense systems of the S-XNUMPPMU covering Beijing are on duty from the eastern direction with a truncated composition, which is most likely due to the lack of standardized missiles.
Google Earth satellite image: ZS-XNUMPPMU position in 300 km northeast of Beijing
Modernized HQ-2J SAMs, along with relatively modern HQ-12, are considered as an addition to long-range multi-channel SAMs. At the moment, Beijing is second only to Moscow in terms of the density of cover from air attack weapons. In total, three dozen medium-range and long-range air defense systems provide security for the Chinese capital from air attack weapons.
The layout of the radar posts (blue diamonds), the position of the air defense system (colored triangles) and air bases near Beijing
According to Western data, the number of anti-aircraft missile divisions deployed in fixed positions in the PRC is 110-120 units. Of these, modern systems and systems are armed with about 80% srdn. The Chinese are very zealous in preserving the existing infrastructure. Capital positions, where obsolete HQ-2 air defense systems were located in the past, are preserved in most cases; modern anti-aircraft systems are deployed on them after reconstruction. Unlike our country, where hundreds of expensive defense facilities were destroyed in the framework of “reforming” and “giving a new look”, in China they strictly monitor the targeted use and preservation of the existing infrastructure.
The distribution of medium and long-range anti-aircraft missile systems throughout the territory of the PRC is very significant. The main part of the Chinese air defense system covers industrial and administrative centers located in a comfortable climate zone for living.
Google Earth Satellite Image: A-300PMU-1 ZRS Position North of Shanghai
The Russian-made anti-aircraft missile systems, in addition to the vicinity of Beijing, are concentrated in the areas of Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Quanzhou, Zhangzhou - that is, for the most part along the coast.
Google Earth satellite image: A-300PMU-2 SIR position near the runway of Xiayuan airbase in the vicinity of Quanzhou
Modern and long-range ZRS 300PMU-2 mainly deployed near the Taiwan Strait and in the zone of action of American combat aircraft based in Japan and South Korea. Western observers have noted that the C-XNUMPPMU missiles, delivered more than 300 years ago, are gradually being replaced in the PRC by their own HQ-25А. So, in positions near Shanghai, where the C-9PMU was stationed in the past, it is now on duty at the HQ-300А A / S.
Google Earth satellite image: HQ-9А position in the vicinity of Urumqi
Anti-aircraft systems and complexes of its own production HQ-64, HQ-9, HQ-12 and HQ-16 are deployed to protect especially valuable objects in the depths of China and in the border areas of southern and north-western regions.
Google Earth satellite image: HQ-16 position in the vicinity of Shenyang
Special attention is paid to the air defense of the deployment areas of Chinese ICBMs, aerospace enterprises and nuclear energy. For example, around the city of Shenyang, where the aircraft factory is located, specializing in the construction of heavy fighters J-11 and J-16, three divisions of the HQ-9A air defense missile system and the HQ-16 air defense missile system are permanently deployed. The aircraft factory and test center in Xi'an covers an anti-aircraft missile regiment, which consists of three HQ-9 air defense systems.
Google Earth satellite image: HQ-9 ground position in the vicinity of Gonggar air base
One of the first serial HQ-9 SAM systems was deployed in Tibet, near the Gonggar airbase, in an area in close proximity to the disputed sections of the Sino-Indian border.
Google Earth Satellite Image: HQ-9 ZRS Position on Woody Island
In addition, more recently, the Chinese long-range HQ-9A air defense systems are located outside the mainland of China. According to satellite images released in February of 2016, the People’s Republic of China has deployed the HQ-9A AAMS division on Woody Island, part of the archipelago of the controversial Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.
Google Earth satellite image: HQ-12 air defense system in the vicinity of Baotou. This position is deployed at the place where, until 2006, the HQ-2A air defense system was on combat duty. Next to mobile launchers, transport and charging machines
The southern direction from Vietnam is protected by eight divisions of the air defense system HQ-12. Around the city of Baotou in the Inner Mongolia region there are three HQ-12 bays. Although this ZRK is inferior in its capabilities to the long-range HQ-9 / 9А / 9В and С-300ПМУ / ПМУ-1 / ПМУ-2 long-range missiles, but it is much cheaper. Currently, HQ-12 is the most widespread anti-aircraft missile system, carrying a constant combat duty in the air defense forces of the PRC.
Google Earth satellite image: HQ-64D positioning system in 50 km north of Chendu
The air bases and some strategic objects located not only on the coast, but also in the depth of the territory are covered with a short-range air defense system HQ-64 and HQ-7. HQ-64 ADMS batteries are on duty at the position for a long period of time, and HQ-7 batteries on a rotational basis.
Google Earth satellite image: short-range air defense system position in Hong Kong, equipment covered with camouflage nets
Observers note that the number of equipped short-range air defense systems in the vicinity of air bases, ports, radar stations and other important facilities located along the coast has recently increased significantly.
SAM NQ-17
Taking into account the existing experience, it is quite possible that the HQ-17 air defense systems are involved in the combat duty and cover of airfields, fixed radar stations and long-range air defense systems.
Google Earth satellite image: HQ-64А positioning system in the vicinity of the Longtian airfield runway
The direct anti-aircraft cover of the Longtian PLA airbase closest to Taiwan is provided by the HQ-64A anti-aircraft missile and artillery system battery. On this base, in 2016, the unmanned squadron of radio-controlled aircraft J-6 was deployed, which, judging by satellite images, regularly take to the air.
Google Earth satellite image: J-6 radio-controlled aircraft in the Longtian base
In the case of the outbreak of hostilities, outdated remote-controlled J-6 fighters will act as false targets, taking the blow of the enemy's air defense weapons. There is reason to believe that in addition to the remote control equipment, unmanned Kamikazes have jam stations and missiles designed to destroy enemy radars.
It is worthwhile to dwell separately on the ranges available in the PRC, where test-training and test launches of medium-range and long-range anti-aircraft missiles are carried out. In 80 km east of the city of Tangshan, in the Hebei province, on the shores of the Bohai Gulf is the ground for the Air Defense Forces.
Google Earth satellite image: missile test site on the shores of the Bohai Gulf
Here, in the direction of the marine waters 2-3 times a year are carried out control and training of shooting combatant battalions of S HQ-2J, HQ-12, and SAM HQ-9 and C-300PMU / PMU-1 / PMU-2 combat duty around Beijing , in the vicinity of Qingdao, Nanjing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Quanzhou and Zhangzhou.
The J-6 and H-5 radio-controlled targets start from Qinhuangdao-Shanhaiguan airbase, located in 70 km to the north. Here, at the time of the exercise, long-range H-6 missile-carrier bombers are based, from which cruise missile simulators are launched.
Google Earth Satellite Image: Test Site in 50 km north of Xi'an
In 2017, construction began on a missile test site in Shaanxi province, 50 km north of the city of Xi'an. In this area, in addition to the five starting positions, there is a large radar station with several JY-27, JYL-1 and YLC-2 radars. Also on a permanent basis on the territory of the landfill are two divisions of air defense systems HQ-9.
Google Earth Satellite Image: Nanhukong Test Site, 50 km east of Zhangye City District, Gansu Province
There are four sites around the Jiuquan administrative center in Gansu province, within the 200-300 radius, from where regular test and control and training launches of anti-aircraft missiles are conducted. Due to the low population density, this desert region is very well suited for firing missiles.
Google Earth Satellite Image: Test Site No. 72
In 20 km north of the Jiuquan Cosmodrome, there is the legendary test site No. 72, where all Chinese medium-range and long-range anti-aircraft missile systems and the Russian C-300PMU / PMU-1 / PMU-2 were tested in the past.
ZRS-300PMU-2 on the landfill in Gansu Province
It was on the site number 72 in December 2018 of the year test and test firing of the Russian C-400 SAMs were conducted. In a number of Russian media, in January 2019 of the year was published unconfirmed information that during the firing of the 48H6E SAM at a distance of 250 km struck a ballistic target flying at a speed of 3 km / s. This news caused a big boost among the "patriotic" minded Russian citizens, and those who are at least a little familiar with the capabilities of modern air defense technology, shrugged their shoulders in surprise. Interested in this question, I tried to find more information on the C-400 tests on the Chinese Internet. A number of sources state that the ballistic target was launched from a distance of 250 km, but nothing was said about the distance at which it was intercepted.
As you know, C-400 is a system designed primarily to combat aerodynamic targets, but it is capable of intercepting short-range ballistic missiles. According to the materials published in the course of arms exhibitions and international aerospace showrooms, the maximum range of target designation of the 91H6E radar for ballistic targets with EPR 0,5 m² - 240 km. The maximum firing range for large small-maneuvre targets: the long-range B-52 bombers and the KS-135 tankers - 250 km. The maximum boundary of the cover zone in range from ballistic missiles is 60 km. For comparison: as part of the upgraded C-300B4 system, the 9М82М rocket 5800 kg, with a launch range for slow aerodynamic targets at medium altitudes around 400 km, is specially designed for air defense / missile defense of the front-line level of ground forces. As is known from open sources, the weight of the 48H6E SAM is about 1900 kg. Most of the mass of these missiles accounts for solid fuel. The maximum speed of the rocket 9M82M - 7,85 M, the rocket 48N6E of the area - 7,5 M. Taking into account the fact that in the People's Republic of China long-range ZUR 40N6E with active homing .
It can be stated that due to the change in the military-political situation and the balance of power in the world, in the 21 century the layout of the stationary positions of the air defense system has changed dramatically. In the past, the HQ-2 air defense system was located in the north-east and north-west of the People's Republic of China, along the path of the most probable flight routes of the Soviet long-range bomber. Now most of the positions in the north-western part of China have been liquidated, and there are no anti-aircraft missile systems along the border with the Russian Far Eastern territories.
A particularly significant concentration of modern anti-aircraft systems and Su-30MKK, J-10А / В and J-11А / В fighters is observed in areas that are within the range of the Taiwan Air Force. The Air Force of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has about 380 combat aircraft. Of these, the most valuable are the 125 multi-purpose fighter F-CK-1 "Chingo". This aircraft is based on the American F-16, but has two engines and is distinguished by the composition of the avionics and weapons. Also in the composition of the Taiwanese air force there are fighters: F-5Е / F, F-16A / В and Mirage 2000-5.
The most likely opponents of the Chinese air defense system are also considered to be long-range bombers carrying cruise missiles. As an intermediate airfield for US long-range bombers in the Asia-Pacific zone, the US Air Force Andersen Air Base on Guam Island, operated by the 36 Air Wing, is used. Here, on a rotational basis are on duty fighter F-15C and F-22A (12-16 units), long-distance unmanned reconnaissance RQ-4 Global Hawk (3-4 units), B-52N Stratofortress, B-1V Lancer, B-2A Spirit (6-10 units). If necessary, the aviation grouping on Guam can be increased by 4-5 by one day in a day. The F-15C and F-22A fighters, the KC-135R tankers, and the C-17A military transport aircraft belonging to the 15-th wing and the 154-nd Air Force wing of the National Air Force are assigned to the Hikkam airbase in Hawaii. Although the Hikkam airbase is sufficiently distant from the coast of the People's Republic of China, it can be used as an intermediate aerodrome, and for basing tanker aircraft and long-range bombers. And fighters stationed here on a permanent basis, can be quickly transferred to the air bases of Japan and South Korea.
A potential threat to China is represented by combat aircraft of the US Air Force Command in the Pacific Ocean (Pacific Air Force) with headquarters at the Hikkam airbase, Hawaii. The Pacific Command is: 5 (Japan), 7 (Republic of Korea), 11 (Alaska) and 13 (Hawaii) air armies. As part of the 5 Army Air Force with headquarters at the Yokota airbase, the 18-e wing, deployed at the Kadena airbase, is considered the main strike force. F-15C / D 44 and 67 squadrons are based here. Refueling in the air of American fighters stationed in Japan, provide KC-135R 909 th squadron of tanker aircraft. Guidance on airborne targets and the general guidance of combat aircraft operations outside the zone of visibility of ground-based radars are assigned to the 961 squadron of the radar patrol and control, equipped with DRLO and E-3C Sentry aircraft. Regular reconnaissance flights along the coast of the People's Republic of China are carried out by the RC-135V / W Rivet Joint aircraft and the long-range high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance aircraft RQ-4 Global Hawk. Intelligence functions are also assigned to the base patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon, P-3С Orion and radio intelligence reconnaissance aircraft EP-3E Aries II of the US Navy, which are located at the Kadena airbase. F-16C / D 13 and 14 squadrons of the 35 th Fighter Wing are deployed at the Misawa airbase.
The naval base "Yokosuka" is a place of permanent forward bases of US aircraft carriers. Since 2008, the Nimitz nuclear aircraft carrier - George Washington (USS George Washington (CVN-73)) has been located here. Recently, he was replaced on duty in Japan by the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)). Deck planes of the US Navy use the Atsugi airbase for coast-based, the aircraft of the 5 aircraft carrier wing are located on it. It consists of three F / A-18E / F Super Hornet fighter-assault squadrons, EA-18 Growler electronic warfare squadron, E-2C / D Hawkeye DRLO squadron, as well as deck transport aircraft and helicopters for various purposes.
On the territory of Japan on a permanent basis is about 200 combat aircraft of the Air Force and the US Navy. In addition to American fighters on a permanent basis based on Japanese airfields in the Air Forces of Japan, there are: 190 heavy fighter F-15J / DJ, 60 light F-2A / B (more advanced Japanese version of F-16), around 40 multi-purpose F-4EJ and roughly 10 scouts RF-4EJ / EF-4EJ. Also in the United States ordered X-NUMX fighter F-42. The forces of the 35 Air Force, stationed in South Korea, are represented by the 7 Fighter Aviation Regiment - 8 F-42C / D (Kunsan Air Base) and the 16 Fighter Airwing - 51 F-36C / D, belonging to the 16 fighter air wing - 36 F-24C / D, belonging to the 10 fighter air wing - 25 F-7C / D, belonging to 460 fighter aircraft and 5 attack aircraft A-16C Thunderbolt II from the 15 th Fighter Squadron. Approximately 4 South Korean fighter jets should be added to the XNUMX AA forces: F-XNUMXE / F, F-XNUMXС / D, F-XNUMXК and F-XNUMXE. In the event of a military collision between the United States and the People's Republic of China, if they do not participate in the air strikes on Chinese territory, they will definitely be used for air defense of American air bases.
Thus, the combined aviation grouping of the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea, taking into account combat aircraft of the Republic of China, is almost equal in number to the entire PLA Air Force fighter fleet. At the same time, it will be easier for Chinese fighters to carry out defensive military operations over the territory of the PRC adjacent to the coastal areas due to the presence of a large number of alternate air strips and numerous ground-based radar posts. As for the US aircraft carrier strike groups, given the increased power of the Chinese coastal defense forces equipped with numerous modern anti-ship missiles, their presence in the territorial waters of the PRC is impossible. Moreover, the Chinese fleet and strike aviation of the PLA Air Force and Navy, located on coastal airfields, is quite able to force American aircraft carriers to travel more than the combat radius of the F-A-18 E / F carrier-based fighter-bombers. Chinese interceptors, operating in conjunction with medium-range and long-range anti-aircraft missile systems, are capable of inflicting unacceptable losses on enemy bomber aircraft. In this regard, it should be expected that the first strike on key Chinese defense facilities will be delivered by cruise missiles launched from long-range bombers, surface ships and submarines.
According to information published in open sources, as part of the duty forces of the American 7th fleet there are always carriers capable of launching at least 500 sea-based cruise missiles RGM / UGM-109 Tomahawk. The most modern modification is the RGM / UGM-109E Tactical Tomahawk missile launcher with a launch range of 1600 km and an air defense missile defense of 10 m. The AGM-86C / D CALCM cruise missiles launched by the Air Force US are long-range bombers B-52H. On one bomber can be placed up to 20 KR. AGM-86C / D can hit ground targets at ranges up to 1100 km. In the case of using the Litton noise-free guidance system corrected by the 3rd generation GPS satellite navigation signals, the probable circular deviation from the aiming point is 3 m.
B-1B, B-2A, B-52H bombers, as well as tactical and carrier-based aircraft of the F-16C / D, F-15Е and F / A-18E / F are capable of carrying AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles. The B-52H bomber can take 12 such missiles, B-1B - 24 missiles, B-2 - 16 missiles, F-16C / D fighters, F / A-18E / F - 2 missiles, F-15E - 3 missiles Today, the advanced CRM AGM-158B JASSM-ER is serially manufactured with a launch range of 980 km. Speed on the route - 780-1000 km / h. The average deviation from the aiming point - 3 m. The rocket is capable of hitting both stationary and mobile targets. Aircraft F-15E, F / A-18C / D, F / A-18E / F, P-3C, P-8A are capable of hitting land targets with AGM-84 SLAM missiles. This rocket is based on the AGM-84 Harpoon PCR, but has a different guidance system. Instead of the active RGSN in SLAM, an inertial system with GPS correction and the possibility of remote TV is used. In 2000, the AGM-84H SLAM-ER was adopted for armament, which represents the deep processing of AGM-84E SLAM. SLAM-ER is able to independently identify the target according to the data previously stored in the on-board computer of the rocket or guided by the commands of the operator. The missile has the ability to hit targets at a distance of 270 km. Flight speed - 855 km / h. The AGM-150 HARM rocket is designed to combat surveillance radars and guidance stations at the range of 88 km. It can be carried by all American tactical and carrier-based aircraft in service.
Under the conditions of widespread use by the enemy of cruise missiles, camouflaging and dispersing fighters to alternate aerodromes will be of particular importance. The existing underground shelters cut into the rocks will also play a role. There is no doubt that based on the experience of using American high-precision aviation weapons and cruise missiles in local conflicts, the PLA command drew appropriate conclusions and was concerned about the creation of EW equipment capable of reducing the effectiveness of guided munitions, which use navigation positioning signals and remote control for guidance. . The effectiveness of the use of anti-radar missiles will be seriously reduced through the use of generators that simulate the operation of radar stations. In the event of a negative forecast of the development of a crisis situation and the announcement of a “threatened period”, anti-aircraft missile divisions, mobile radars and mobile communications centers should move to pre-prepared reserve deployment areas, and the old, well-known enemy positions will have pre-fabricated radars and traps. In the process of deploying anti-aircraft missile battalions, careful masking of real and equipment of false positions is carried out, with simultaneous observance of the radio silence mode. Provided that these measures are carried out in time, the effectiveness of striking with cruise missiles can be many times reduced, and attacks by a manned strike aircraft under conditions of an un-suppressed air defense system will be fraught with very significant losses.
With a high degree of confidence, it can be argued that in the event of an attack on objects in China, the PRC leadership will issue an order to retaliate attacking missile-bombing attacks on the bases from which the air assault weapons have risen. At the present level of development of the PRC's air defense, in armed conflict, in which only conventional ammunition will be used, the air attack of the United States and its allies will fail with acceptable losses to suppress the Chinese air defense system and to gain air superiority over the mainland of China.
It is impossible not to note the giant progress in improving the defense of the PRC. The Chinese top military-political leadership in the framework of military reform and modernization of the armed forces strive to create the maximum balance between modern fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft missile forces. The construction of the air defense system of China is carried out taking into account the development experience and achievements achieved by the air defense forces of the USSR and Russia. In the last decade, the fleet of ground-based radar stations has been updated by more than 70%, and approximately 20 DRLO aircraft are in service. Thanks to the introduction of combat information and control of automated systems, ground-based radar and airborne radar pickets are linked into one network. Interceptors and modern anti-aircraft missile systems are equipped with high-speed data exchange equipment in the closed mode. Information flows and the issuance of timely target designation is the responsibility of regional commands. Already, China’s air defense system is one of the best in the world and is capable of causing unacceptable damage to any enemy, effectively covering strategic facilities and troops.
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Information