PLAN deploys to the Gulf of Aden
The Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced on 28 April that it has deployed its 35th task force from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to the Gulf of Aden, to escort civilian ships in the region.
The 35th task group will also support vessels off the coast of Somalia, where the PLAN has been carrying out naval escort missions since December 2008.
Taking part in the mission is the guided-missile destroyer Taiyan, the missile frigate Jingzhou and a supply ship Chaohu. At least two naval helicopters are also operated from the vessels. It is the first time that Taiyan and Jingzhou have deployed to the Gulf of Aden region.
In total, 690 naval officers and soldiers are part of the 35th task group, which was despatched from the port of Zhoushan in Zhejiang Province.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Singapore Navy receives new RO/RO civil resource ship]()
Singapore Navy receives new RO/RO civil resource ship
MV Mentor, the Republic of Singapore Navy’s new roll-on/roll-off ship, will enhance training and sealift capabilities while replacing the long-serving MV Avatar.
-
![US Navy places small boat order worth up to $290 million]()
US Navy places small boat order worth up to $290 million
The Metal Shark 40 Defiant, a 40-foot, welded-aluminium pilothouse monohull patrol boat, features ballistic protection and can be armed with a range of remotely operated and crew-served weapons systems. The ReconCraft 40ft patrol boat is similar and offers waterjet, outboard and inboard/outboard propulsion.
-
![How propulsion technology can improve vessel performance]()
How propulsion technology can improve vessel performance
Next-generation propellers have been designed to enhance range and speed while reducing fuel consumption.
-
![Babcock to support design of Swedish Navy’s new Luleå-class surface combatant]()
Babcock to support design of Swedish Navy’s new Luleå-class surface combatant
It is believed the Luleå-class will be about 100m-long and displace about 3,000–4,000 tonnes. The ships will be designed to operate in the Baltics, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and will incorporate capabilities to conduct AAW, ASuW and ASW operations.
-
![New UK support ships to go ahead, LPDs to remain in service]()
New UK support ships to go ahead, LPDs to remain in service
The Royal Navy is said to be looking to acquire a class of vessel capable of operating as a stand-alone platform in a highly contested environment, fitted with a range of weapons and sensors for self-defence.
