The PLA airborne troops!

[bjskyhorse]

Hi,every one.Is anyone interested at the airborne troops of PLA?China may be the only country makes great efforts to develop airborne troops today.Recently,the only national TV station of China play a teleplay about airborne troops,it is very ridiculous and lead to ridiculous.But it mean the airborne troops of PLA are thought much of today. I once read an article of a certain specialist of US,he think airborne troops useless in the future,especially face with strong opponent.Because the the air defence technology develop quickly,the large,slow sky truck is easy to shot down.Though you can control the air,but even only several soldiers with SAM can bring great loss,especially to some countries such as US,
it is not acceptable at all!He may be right. But you know,China has to develop airborne troops and Marine Corps because she has to
ready for the confict with TaiWan.Airborne troops is the only arms of services can span the TaiWan channel.It is said the airborne troops of China learn a lot from their craft brother of Russia.And bought a lot of equippment from Russia.What do u think about the PLA airborne troops?

 

[FutureTank]

Recent exercises with the Russian airborne suggest that Chinese airborne troops and equipment still need development.

Using airborne troops over Taiwan is probably suicidal.

 

[Waylander]

The only country developing airborn troops?
There are enough countries out there which already have a well trained and equipped airborn structure.

 

[MG 3]

They seem pretty cerious about the AB troops. They will be conducting AB landings in the mountains of Pakistan. Well in Tiwan's case if the can take care of their air-defences then who not AB troops?

 

[Big-E]

Using airborne troops over Taiwan is probably suicidal.

That is why a rather effective air and cruise missle campaign are required before any landing can be attempted. Air drops would play a vital role in taking strategic points on the island, cutting coms, and supply.

 

[FutureTank]

That is way a rather effective air and cruise missle campaign are required before any landing can be attempted. Air drops would play a vital role in taking strategic points on the island, cutting coms, and supply.

I would tend to disagree with this strategy since it defeats the purpose and economic gain for China as a result of military operations.

 

[Whiskyjack]

I would tend to disagree with this strategy since it defeats the purpose and economic gain for China as a result of military operations.

Not sure what you are disagreeing about?

Do you mean there will be no benefit economically for China to do this?

 

[Big-E]

I would tend to disagree with this strategy since it defeats the purpose and economic gain for China as a result of military operations.

What is there to disagree with? If any military op is to take place that is what would happen. Any attempt to take the island would cause damage to the economy and infrastructure of the island.

 

[FutureTank]

For China there are other-then-military objectives (unlike USA which simply needs to show it can offer support to Taiwan militarily)

Firstly it can not inflict much damage on the Taiwanese infrastructure

Secondly it can not afford a prolonged attrition campaign (a larger version of Hezbullah's rocket campaign)

Thirdly it needs the campaign to be at least ostensibly seen as 'good'

For all these reasons the campaign must be quick and as violence free as possible. This eliminates the use of AD and cruise use.

As I tried to point out, 'storming' Taiwan is really the 'take the castle' problem from an earlier era in warfare. Does China want the 'castle' in one piece or not?

 

[Big-E]

Secondly it can not afford a prolonged attrition campaign (a larger version of Hezbullah's rocket campaign)

PLA forces are quite a bit more advanced than a Hezbollah rocket campaign. Their SRBM and cruise missiles are reported to have pinpoint accuaracy. Reports show every year PLA adds to this capabilty and specifically place them across from Taiwan.

 

[Whiskyjack]

For China there are other-then-military objectives (unlike USA which simply needs to show it can offer support to Taiwan militarily)

Firstly it can not inflict much damage on the Taiwanese infrastructure

Secondly it can not afford a prolonged attrition campaign (a larger version of Hezbullah's rocket campaign)

Thirdly it needs the campaign to be at least ostensibly seen as 'good'

For all these reasons the campaign must be quick and as violence free as possible. This eliminates the use of AD and cruise use.

As I tried to point out, 'storming' Taiwan is really the 'take the castle' problem from an earlier era in warfare. Does China want the 'castle' in one piece or not?

I am not sure I agree with that. The Chinese have always said that they would prefer peaceful 'reunification'. But this is more about national pride than economics, the Chinese would, if pushed, do what they needed to do to win IMO.

 

[FutureTank]

PLA forces are quite a bit more advanced than a Hezbollah rocket campaign. Their SRBM and cruise missiles are reported to have pinpoint accuaracy. Reports show every year PLA adds to this capabilty and specifically place them across from Taiwan.

Well, I did say 'larger version'...

What does 'pin point' mean when referring to SRBM? Is that like using it to nail a nail in?
Come on Big-E, you are a Navy guy and therefore I know you are pulling my leg.

Besides countermeasures would probably have some effect on the missiles. Just one accidental hit on a hospital would end the whole campaign for China.

Sorry, but I see a plan very different to massive use of hardware. Its a 'human-ware' job IMHO, and Chinese have no history of success at this

 

[FutureTank]

The Chinese have always said that they would prefer peaceful 'reunification'. But this is more about national pride than economics, the Chinese would, if pushed, do what they needed to do to win IMO.

Yes, this is correct. However sometimes peace needs a little 'help'

This will not be a purely military operation, but one that, in accordance with Chinese doctrine, includes aspects of the political dimension.

 

[eckherl]

Well, I did say 'larger version'...

What does 'pin point' mean when referring to SRBM? Is that like using it to nail a nail in?
Come on Big-E, you are a Navy guy and therefore I know you are pulling my leg.

Besides countermeasures would probably have some effect on the missiles. Just one accidental hit on a hospital would end the whole campaign for China.

Sorry, but I see a plan very different to massive use of hardware. Its a 'human-ware' job IMHO, and Chinese have no history of success at this

Agreed - they most likely have commando`s already on the ground over there conducting recons.

I could visualize on that special day that commando`s will be conducting what they do best, sabotage, bumping off key government and military personnel, and setting the ground work for massive airborne and naval marine operations. Chineese are very patient in nature, when the time right or presents itself, lookout.

 

[Big-E]

Agreed - they most likely have commando`s already on the ground over there conducting recons.

I could visualize on that special day that commando`s will be conducting what they do best, sabotage, bumping off key government and military personnel, and setting the ground work for massive airborne and naval marine operations. Chineese are very patient in nature, when the time right or presents itself, lookout.

I still have yet for anyone to explain way Future Tank's ascertion that air drops wouldn't be part of PLA ops would be correct.

 

[FutureTank]

Agreed - they most likely have commando`s already on the ground over there conducting recons.

I could visualize on that special day that commando`s will be conducting what they do best, sabotage, bumping off key government and military personnel, and setting the ground work for massive airborne and naval marine operations. Chineese are very patient in nature, when the time right or presents itself, lookout.

Yes, I would agree with this assessment in general although I would suggest an even less violent approach.

[/B]Chineese are very patient in nature, when the time right or presents itself, lookout[/B] This is a definate STRIKE!

 

[eckherl]

I still have yet for anyone to explain way Future Tank's ascertion that air drops wouldn't be part of PLA ops would be correct.

This would be the quickest and cleanest way of doing it, they would not risk prolonging a invasion due to the U.S.

If they take it quickly then all we are going to do is holler at deaf ears at the great United Nations.

 

[FutureTank]

I still have yet for anyone to explain way Future Tank's ascertion that air drops wouldn't be part of PLA ops would be correct.

Ok.

There are only so many ways to deploy parachute troops: Low level, high altitude and any altitude in between.

At low level the prospect of success is VERY doubtfull given Taiwanese AD assets. I would say that higher altitude approaches would be just as dangerous. Jumping onto Taiwan from high altitude by even a small unit of say a battalion is not for the operationall faint-hearted. To do so with brigades and divisions is....:jump

I'm not even considering heliborne assault! That would be like shooting fish in a barrel!

Look, maybe someone has actual jump expereince. From my reading, and I am not strictly against para-borne troops, airborne operations are as high risk as military operations can go. Last time Chinese troops jumped on exercise (with Russians) they scatered, and some of their domestically made BMD colies landed on their side
If you doubt me, please look at Taiwanese terrain. Its just not made for airborne operations.

 

[Big-E]

Keep in mind PLAAF would be conducting SEAD before and while drops occured.

 

[riksavage]

Time is running out for the PRC

Time is not necessarily on the PLA’s side with regards to Taiwan reunification.

The younger generation of Taiwanese have very little in common with their mainland kin and associated culture. The youth of Taiwan, particularly in Taipei associate more with Japan / Korea than China, they certainly don’t see themselves as being an extension of the mainland. As the older generation, with memories of pre 1949 dies off, the association with the PRC will become ever more distant. This cultural/social change means Taiwanese see China’s attempts at reunification appear more like a hostile occupation than a mutually beneficial gathering of the clans .

From what I understand the PRC’s military strategy would be to blockade Taiwan, hit her hard using endless missile barrages until the latter throws the towel in. The PRC does not have the logistics tail to move resources across the Taiwanese straights.

I would be interested to hear how large the PRC’s airborne lift capability is: battalion, battle-group or division sized?