CHINA-PLA NAVY: GX-6 ANTI-SUBMARINE AIRCRAFT
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The Global Times on April 28, 2015, reported that China's new GX-6 anti-submarine patrol aircraft appears to be ready for action. It is China's first fixed-wing anti-submarine patrol aircraft. Citing leaked photos posted on a military forum, Global Times claims that the GX-6, which has been modified from the Y-8 medium-size medium-range transport aircraft produced by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation, has recently begun supporting troops from the PLA's Naval Air Force. Global Times added that the GX-6 can cover large stretches of the ocean threreby increasing China's maritime security and pushing the PLA's anti-submarine line up more than 1,000 kilometers.
Military expert Li Xiaojian said anti-submarine surveillance aircraft have become extremely important and the GX-6 will be able to help the PLA conduct maritime patrols and anti-submarine reconnaissance, as well as participate in various types of joint anti-submarine or anti-ship operations operations.
The addition of the GX-6 to the PLA Navy's arsenal has significance because it gives China its first fixed-wing anti-submarine patrol aircraft, Li said, but the plane still lags behind the US P-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft in most major indicators, meaning that China must quickly start developing a new generation of jet-propelled anti-submarine patrol aircraft.
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