PLA gains know-how in hi-tech warfare

The PLA has made progress in preparing for hi-tech warfare by developing a version of the US-designed theatre missile defence system that can intercept multiple missiles, it was reported.

The Hong Kong China News Agency said development of the anti-radiation missile system, used to counter enemy electronic and electromagnetic jamming, had boosted Chinese defences. The system, codenamed KDI, had been successfully tested in hilly regions.

KDI is a ground-to-air missile which uses radar to intercept incoming missiles, the semi-official agency said. It can knock out several missiles at a time.

Meanwhile, the Liberation Army Daily reported that PLA missile and airborne units were continuing to flex their muscles in exercises.

Missile units took part in a simulated nuclear counter-attack exercise on an unidentified plateau, the paper said.

Vehicle launchers fired guided missiles in clandestine settings such as mountains and forests, and made a successful counter-attack, the paper said. It hinted that miniature warheads had been used in the computerised exercise.

The strategic missile force claimed 100 per cent success in all-weather launching exercises in the past five years, the paper said.

The army daily also reported on a major airborne exercise featuring new transport aircraft and new parachutes.

The exercise was aimed at raising rapid-reaction capability under difficult situations.

The airborne unit flew 3,000km from central China to a plateau in Sichuan province, where members had to parachute in winds of more than 100km/h.

The airborne exercise featured tactical air raids, anti-jamming operations, artillery and ground missile firing, and armed helicopter manoeuvres, the paper said.