People’s Liberation Army Navy – (China)

The People’s Liberation Army Navy is the naval warfare branch of the People’s Republic of China. It is the 3rd largest and strongest navy in the world after U.S.A and Russia. It’s main function is Naval Warfare.

China's naval fleet delivers loud message to US - Asia Times, People's Liberaton Army Navy
PLA Navy fleet during an exercise. Picture Courtesy: asiatimes.com

The People’s Liberation Army Navy or the PLAN was founded in September of 1950. Today, PLA Navy is one of the most powerful navies in the world with 240,000 active naval personnel, more than 540 naval ships and many other auxiliary and support ships.

People's Liberation Army Navy, (PLAN) Archives - DefPost
PLA Navy’s Aircraft Carrier Type 001A

It also has more than 594 naval aircraft out of which more than 114 are helicopters. Out of 540 naval ships, PLA Navy has 2 aircraft carriers, 48 destroyers, 49 frigates, 71 corvettes, 79 submarines, 17 gunboats, 36 mine countermeasures ships, 109 missile boats, 2 landing helicopter docks, 8 amphibious transport docks, 32 landing ship tanks, 33 landing ship medium, 94 submarine chasers, 19 replenishment ships and 232 auxiliary ships.

Admiral of the Fleet commands and heads the PLA Navy. The PLA Navy is divided into 3 major fleets which are:

  • North Sea Fleet
  • South Sea Fleet
  • East Sea Fleet

The PLA Navy has five branches. They are:

  • Submarine Force of PLAN
  • Surface Force of PLAN
  • Coastal Defense Force o
  • PLAN Marine Corps
  • PLAN Naval Air Force.

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