Luckily, a large number of Chinese equipment was purchased. The Indian aircraft carrier is going to blockade the port. The 054AP starts live ammunition exercises.

Local time on the 24th, after India's sanctions measures against Pakistan were introduced, its newly commissioned domestically produced aircraft carrier, the "Vikrant", carrying Russian-made MiG-29K carrier-based fighters, sailed north under the escort of several destroyers and frigates, appearing ready to blockade Pakistani ports.

Meanwhile, Pakistan also promptly announced that it would conduct live-fire exercises in Gwadar Port starting from the 24th, with the main participants being the 054AP-type frigates it imported from China a few years ago. This ship is equipped with the export version of the CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missile based on the Yingji-12, with a maximum range of 290 kilometers, a top speed of 3 Mach, as well as the Hongqi-16E medium-range naval air defense missile. It is currently the most powerful surface combatant in the Pakistani Navy. Both sides are at a stand-off, with the situation on the verge of escalation.

The Indian aircraft carrier "Vikrant" is heading to the Arabian Sea.

India's indigenous aircraft carrier versus China's exported 054AP: each has its own strengths.

The "Vikrant" is the famous Indian aircraft carrier that has undergone multiple launch attempts, with a displacement of over 40,000 tons. However, due to its service time being far below expectations, and the early purchased Russian-made MiG-29K squadron not only having severely outdated performance but also experiencing a slight shortage in numbers due to several crash accidents.

Therefore, the Indian Navy recently procured 26 "Rafale-M" carrier-based fighters for the "Vikrant", but they won't be delivered until 2028. For now, they still rely on the few remaining MiG-29Ks. Although "carrier strike group intimidating the Arabian Sea" sounds impressive, the combat capability is not particularly strong.

▲ The MiG-29K is too old.

In contrast, after the 054AP was upgraded with phased array radar, its situational awareness capabilities have greatly improved. Combined with support from land-based fighter jets or even airborne early warning aircraft, it can fully utilize the maximum range of the CM-302.

Although the Haired-16 was overshadowed by the Haired-9 domestically, the improved version introduced by the Pakistani Navy has a maximum range exceeding 80 kilometers. Under the cover of shore-based aviation, it is sufficient to deal with subsonic anti-ship missiles or fighters like the MiG-29K that have not crossed the threshold of fourth-generation semi-advanced fighters.

▲ The 054AP has become the backbone of the Pakistani Navy.

India's chaotic naval planning versus Pakistan's rational pursuit, leading to today's high-stakes scene.

However, the Indian Navy must surely see this, so the "Vikrant" will not easily approach the Pakistani coastline. After all, India cannot afford to lose an aircraft carrier. But the tense standoff itself is no small victory for Pakistan.

The "Vikrant", which started construction more than twenty years ago, has undoubtedly consumed much of the Indian Navy's efforts. Including expenditures on carrier-based aircraft, escort fleets, and personnel, it has certainly exceeded 10 billion US dollars.

In contrast, the four 054APs equipped by the Pakistani Navy cost only 1.4 billion US dollars, and even including other expenses, it tops out at 2 billion US dollars. The 5:1 spending ratio maintains a basic balance, making the significance of the 054AP self-evident.

This situation arises partly because the defensive side naturally has an advantage, but more importantly, due to different choices made by India and Pakistan.

▲ The development of India's "Vikrant" is too chaotic.

The complex construction history of the "Vikrant" significantly increased costs, and the poorly managed carrier-based forces further weakened combat effectiveness. The planning was immature, wasting many resources.

On the other hand, the reason why the Pakistani Navy did not choose European and American equipment is that it is generally expensive, with unit prices often reaching nearly one billion US dollars. Compared to a 054AP priced at only 350 million US dollars, the gap is enormous.

In addition, Pakistan has been purchasing large quantities of weapons from China in recent years, allowing them to operate within a unified command system, achieving true integrated operations. For example, the ZDK-03 early warning aircraft of the Air Force can share information with the J-10CE and the 054AP, enabling coordinated sea-air responses to the threat posed by the Indian aircraft carrier.

▲ In the Chinese Navy, the 054A is overshadowed by the 055 and 052D, receiving little external attention. Only after going out to sea does its combat capability become apparent.

This operation against the Indian aircraft carrier can be considered the pinnacle moment for the 054A. It will greatly benefit the export of the 054A and enhance the status of Chinese warships globally.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7497062621305242151/

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