China PLANAF OOB 2012
Contents
PLACEHOLDER - Aviation Branch - Order of Battle, 2012
Introduction
In terms of organisation, the PLAAF is distributed in no fewer than six branches:
- Aviation (Hankongbing)
- Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Gaoshepaobing)
- Surface-to-Air Missiles (Dikong daodanbing)
- Radar Troops (Leidabing)
- Airborne Units (Kongjiangbing)
- Communication Troops (Tongxinbing)
This page provides an insight into the organisation and structure of the Aviation Branch, and its elements operating combat and combat support aircraft. Structured along PLA lines, the Aviation Branch is organised into seven Military Region Air Force (MRAF) mirroring the PLA's Military Regions.
- Shenyang
- Beijing
- Lanzhou
- Nanjing
- Guangzhou
- Jinan
- Chengdu
Each MRAF exercises control over its subordinated units via Command Posts (CP).
| MRAF | Command Posts |
|---|---|
| Shenyang | Changchun, Dalian |
| Beijing | Datong, Tangshan |
| Lanzhou | Hetian (or Hotan), Ürümqi and Xi'ian |
| Nanjing | Fuzhou, Shangai, Zhangzhou |
| Guangzhou | Nanning, Wuhan |
| Jinan | No CP |
| Chengdu | Kunming, Lhasa |
Each CP controls a number of subordinated ground-based units, including SAM brigades and regiments, AAA regiments, radar, communications and other support units, as well as several Air Divisions (ADs).
In standard PLAAF terminology, the Aviation branch is usually described as consisting of the following type of units:
- Fighter (Jianjiji)
- Ground attack (Qiangjiji)
- Bomber (Hongzhaji)
- Transport (Yunshuji)
- Reconnaissance (Zhenchaji)
Generally, the PLAAF's AD are specialized in their tasks and each usually control 2 or 3 Air Regiments (ARs) equipped with the same type of aircraft or at least with the same role and purpose. Usually, each AR occupies its own air base and thus is broadly equivalent to a US Air Force Wing. It is further subdivided into two or three Fight Groups operating between 8 and 10 aircraft. At the lowest rung of the PLAAF's chain of command are Flying Squadrons controlling between 2 and 4 aircraft.
Please note that Flying Schools have been omitted.
Direct-reporting units
Essentially equipped with transport aircraft, these units report directly to the PLA and the PLAAF Headquarters.
| Unit | Base | Aircraft | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15th Airborne Army | Xiaogan | HQ; Formerly 15th Airborne Corps | |
| 43rd Airborne Division | Kaifeng | uses aircraft of the Kaifeng-based 37th Regiment | |
44th Airborne Division
|
Guangshui-Yingshan |
|
|
45th Airborne Division
|
Xiaogan |
|
|
| 34th Transport Division | Shahe | HQ; VIP Transportation | |
| 100th Air Regiment (det) | Shahe | Y-7, EC225, AS.332L-1 | Helicopter and light transport detachment |
| 100th Air Regiment | Xiqiao | CRJ200, CRJ700, 737 | |
| 101st Air Regiment | Xingtai-Shahe | Y-7, Y-7G | |
| 102nd Air Regiment | Beijing-Nanyuan | Tu-154M, Tu-154MD, 737-3Q8, Learjet 35A | CUA Regiment (?) reports directly to HQAF |
| Strategic UAV Scout Force | Shahe | BZK-005, BZK-009 | Operational |
Shenyang MRAF
PLACEHOLDER
