Sub Reliance

摘要

Vulnerabilities in operating on the surface of the ocean are driving China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to field a smaller but more modern submarine force that is venturing more frequently into blue water. "Limitations in air-defense capabilities for surface combatants as well as the inherent challenges of antisubmarine warfare compelled the Chinese leadership to focus much of its military modernization effort on the submarine force," said Scott Bray, deputy senior intelligence officer for China in the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Intelligence.