VERTICAL STRIKE

摘要

Chinese military thinking is to fight and win a "limited war under high-technology condit-ions", with the guiding concepts behind army aviation placing a premium on mobility, surprise attacks and sabotage at key moments and battles over contested positions. This requires a substantial air mobile capability built around a modern helicopter force that can support the army's best forces. But due to its limited numbers and vulnerability to enemy attacks, army aviation must be used selectively and as a force multiplier. China's Army Aviation Bureau (AAB) has experienced significant expansion in the number and types of missions since its establishment in October 1986. Today, the AAB is a frontline combat force, and has the primary mission of supporting army special forces with tactical airlift and attack capabilities. To this end, it practices air assault, offensive air support and pre-emptive strikes against an adversary force. It also carries out border patrol, reconnaissance, some electronic warfare (EW) and command and control (C~2) functions, logistical support, as well as establishing forward arming and refuelling points where needed.