AIR WARFARE BRIEFINGS FROM THE ASIA-PACIFIC
CHINA’S ARMY AVIATION
SPREADS ITS WINGS
THE PEOPLE’S LIBERATION Army (PLA) Army Aviation Corps was only established in January 1988. For a long time it was a low priority, behind even the PLA Naval Air Force (PLANAF), let alone the PLA Air Force (PLAAF). However, during the years that followed it was expanded through the creation of several operational regiments. Currently the most widely used types are the Z-8 and Mi-17/171 for transport, the Z-9 for liaison and reconnaissance, and the Z-10 and Z-19 combat helicopters.
In common with the rest of the PLA, the Army Aviation Corps is undergoing considerable modernization: first with the development of new types, and second by a near-total reorganization since April 2017. Today there are 13 operational helicopter units. These are now assigned to group armies, in a process similar to that under which the PLAAF has established aviation brigades. Most of them have also been renumbered corresponding to the group army to which they are assigned, and since January all helicopters have been gaining new serial numbers, too.
Z-8G enters service
In terms of technical enhancements, the year began with an important milestone.…
