The Ministry of Defense of Japan reported that its Self-Defense Forces’ naval aviation closely monitored the activities of the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong’s strike group. The People’s Liberation Army Navy ships operated a few hundred kilometers from Miyako Island and Taiwan’s waters.
According to the Japanese defense ministry, “…The Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) has been aware that from Tuesday, July 9 to Monday, July 15, 2024, several Chinese naval vessels, including the Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier Shandong of the Chinese Navy (vessel number ’17’), participated in a naval operation southeast of Miyako Island…”.
Japanese aerial surveillance confirmed that the Chinese fleet formation included the aircraft carrier Shandong, two Type 055 destroyers (106) (108), two Type 052D destroyers (164) (165), a Type 054A Jiangkai II frigate (571), and a Type 901 Fuyu-class fast combat support ship (905).
During their operations, the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces confirmed that the Shandong aircraft carrier completed approximately 240 fixed-wing aircraft takeoffs and landings. Additionally, there were at least 140 helicopter landings and takeoffs from the ships.
Regarding Japan’s Self-Defense Forces naval aviation assets, the Ministry listed the following ships: the Murasame-class destroyer Akebono from the 5th Escort Squadron of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, the Kongō-class destroyer Kirishima from the 6th Escort Squadron, and the Abukuma-class destroyer Jintsu from the 13th Escort Squadron.
Japan also deployed surveillance aircraft and Air Self-Defense Force fighters, the latter to intercept any Chinese carrier-based aircraft approaching Japanese waters.
Illustrative cover image. Credits: MinDef China
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