[PLA Early-Morning Naval Patrols Intensify in Southwestern Taiwan Strait]

The waters off southwestern Taiwan remained unsettled early on November 2, as data from aviation tracking and monitoring websites indicate a significant number of People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft began entering the airspace over the region shortly after dawn. The same platforms also recorded multiple sorties by Taiwan’s military fighter jets, dispatched to intercept and monitor the incoming formations.

According to flight data and airspace dynamics reported by a senior military platform based in Taiwan, the composition and intent of the PLA aircraft deployment remain unclear. The fleet reportedly includes at least two airborne early warning aircraft and no fewer than three H-6K refueling variants—commonly known as “Hunyou-6” aerial refuelers—concentrated primarily in the area extending from southwestern Taiwan to southern waters near the island. Should these aircraft proceed further eastward, they would effectively cross the Bashi Strait.

Typically, large-scale operations involving aerial refueling tankers are associated with long-range fighter or bomber missions. Aircraft launched from land-based airfields require mid-air refueling support when traversing the Bashi Strait en route to extended operations in the Western Pacific.

Regarding the airborne early warning aircraft, recent flight tracks indicate the presence of KJ-500 models. However, the simultaneous operation of two KJ-500s in this region is relatively uncommon. Normally, one KJ-500 operates alongside a protective escort fighter, fulfilling command-and-control and surveillance roles. When two such aircraft appear in this zone, the second often moves toward the Bashi Strait area to coordinate with other units—either participating in joint readiness patrols or supporting long-range maritime deployments.

The current configuration observed on November 2 appears anomalous. Further clarity may emerge from official statements expected from Taiwan’s military authorities on November 3.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880744707309579/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.