China holds army drills to enhance air defence ability

LANZHOU - ?The People's Liberation Army (PLA) began a series of air-ground combat drills in Gansu Province, northwest China, on Wednesday.

According to the PLA, seven live ammunition drills, dubbed "Gunpower 2015 Shandan" will be held in the Hexi Corridor, a green area between two large deserts, before middle September.

Air defense forces from the PLA's seven military area commands, electronic countermeasures and the army's aviation forces will take part, with active air defense armament on display, organizers said.

The "blue" force will, for the first time, use a system formed by fighters, including China-made J-10 and J-11, helicopters, jammers and ground radars, according to Maj. Gen. Fang Beiqun.

The "red" force will be equipped with electronic air-defence power to confront the rival's air strike, Fang said, adding that the simulated combat environment and conditions would be created by using drones to simulate cruise missiles, air-to-ground guided missiles and penetration aircraft.

"Situations will be randomly created in order to test commanders' ability to adjust to different circumstances. They will have to make quick judgements and decisions," said Comm. Zhao Lianyun, the drill's head director.

"No one knows what is coming," Zhao said.