The following represents an overview of the modern aerial fighting capabilities of the People's Liberation Naval Air Force (2023). The service currently counts 436 total units in its active aircraft inventory. The WDMMA review takes into account specific categories of aircraft covering attack, logistics, special-mission, and general support types. Inventory numbers and related aircraft types / variants are provided as-is and derived from publically-available information / sources. "Outlook" results are related to any future airframes currently under procurement though said airframes may not be delivered for service in the current year for various reasons. "Readiness Rates" are based on the published USAF standard. Due to discrepancies regarding UAV reporting between countries and sources, unmanned vehicles are currently not tracked by WDMMA.
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Total Aircraft:436
218 / 436 Total available aircraft assuming a Below AverageReadiness Rate of 50.0%.
305 / 436 Total available aircraft assuming an AverageReadiness Rate of 70.0%.
327 / 436 Total available aircraft assuming an Above AverageReadiness Rate of 75.0%.
349 / 436 Total available aircraft assuming an ExcellentReadiness Rate of 80.0%.
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TvR: 49.3
This service's TrueValue Rating formulated by assessment of an air service's current strengths and weaknesses matched against the top performer - the USAF (242.9).
Global Rank: 15/128
This air service's Global Rank when compared to the rest of the national powers of WDMMA. A total of 128 air services from 101 nations are currently tracked. View the current ranking.
FORCE CONCENTRATION: Attack: 212units Support: 180units Training: 44units Future: 50units
Suppliers
Primary (2)
Secondary (3)
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Fighters (182)
Airframes detailed as fighter, interceptor, or general attack types including multi-role though excluding dedicated bombers and CAS.
OUTLOOK
STABLE
47
J-8
Interceptor
34
JH-7
Fighter-Bomber
30
J-7
Fighter
25
J-10
Multirole
24
Su-30MKK
Multirole
22
J-15
Multirole
Total Units:182 (42%)
Bombers (30)
Airframes developed for the strategic-level direct-attack role; typical qualities include subsonic or supersonic performance, long range, and high-altitude capabilities.
OUTLOOK
STABLE
30
H-6/E/F/H/K
Strategic
Total Units:30 (7%)
Helicopters (96)
Airframes detailed as manned rotary-wing platforms used in the transport, special-mission, or direct-attack roles.
OUTLOOK
STABLE
33
Z-9
Multi-Mission
29
Z-8
Transport
17
Ka-28
Anti-Submarine Warfare
8
Mi-8
Transport/Gunship
6
AS565
Maritime Patrol
2
Z-18
Transport
1
Ka-27
Anti-Submarine Warfare
Total Units:96 (22%)
Transports (36)
Airframes used in the dedicated hauler role, serving either military or high-government personnel or in supply / cargo delivery.
OUTLOOK
STABLE
17
Y-7
Light Utility
16
Y-8
Tactical
3
MA-60
Tactical
Total Units:36 (8%)
Trainers (44)
Airframes reserved for dedicated Basic, Advanced, Flight, and Helicopter airman training.
OUTLOOK
STABLE
14
JJ-6
Fighter Trainer
12
L-15
Advanced Jet Trainer
11
JL-8
Advanced Jet Trainer
5
Y-7
Flight/Crew Trainer
2
JL-9
Advanced Jet Trainer
Total Units:44 (10%)
Special-Mission (48)
Airframes modified for Special-Mission roles - typically these are dedicated, role-specific types.
OUTLOOK
STABLE
10
Y-8
Maritime Patrol
9
Ka-31
Airborne Early Warning
8
Y-8
Airborne Early Warning
6
HJ-500 (Y-9)
Airborne Early Warning
5
Y-8
Reconnaissance
3
KJ-200 (Y-8)
Airborne Early Warning
3
SH-5
Search and Rescue
2
Challenger 870
Reconnaissance
1
Y-7
Search and Rescue
1
Z-18
Airborne Early Warning
Total Units:48 (11%)
On Order (50)
Aircraft set to be delivered in the current procurement year or in subsequent year(s).