Deeply Advancing Combat-Realistic Military Training | Sea and Air Forge a Sharp Sword, Spanning Day and Night
The scorching sun hung overhead as low clouds and mist settled over a certain sea area, with waves of heat rolling across the surface. Multiple helicopters from a People's Liberation Army Navy unit roared to life, forming up and taking flight as a maritime flight training exercise under complex meteorological conditions got underway in the afternoon.
"Unidentified maritime target detected!" The moment the aircraft reached the airspace above the training sea area, an urgent situation report crackled through the cabin of Aircraft No. 1. The pilot continuously adjusted the aircraft's attitude to counteract the effects of crosswinds, while using the onboard radar to conduct a sweep-search of the sea surface. Clutter generated by the swells intertwined across the screen like a tangled mess, creating significant interference for target identification. Inside the cabin, crew members at every station focused intently and coordinated closely, repeatedly comparing return-echo characteristics until they successfully identified the target signal from amid the swell clutter.
Inside the control tower, air situation data updated in real time as commands flowed rapidly. The tactical commander quickly completed target parameter entry based on the transmitted information, and the aircraft immediately transitioned into an ultra-low-altitude covert penetration profile. The pilot flew the aircraft skimming the sea surface, using the swell clutter to mask their own signal while maneuvering flexibly along the edge of the "enemy" defensive perimeter.
"Target confirmed — execute strike!" With the order issued, the aircraft completed a simulated attack. The pilot then pulled the aircraft up to altitude and released chaff/flares, successfully evading "enemy" air defense fire.
The unit's leadership explained that, in response to the highly variable maritime weather conditions of summer, they scientifically coordinated training by leveraging complex meteorological conditions such as high temperatures, high humidity, and strong winds, and by setting up multiple types of contingency situations on the fly, with a focus on testing personnel's instrument flight proficiency and emergency situation-handling capabilities.
As the sun sank in the west, visibility over the sea surface dropped. Pilots used instrument equipment to determine flight attitude and position, making timely adjustments to airspeed and course before successfully completing platform landings. The moment the aircraft came to a stop, maintenance personnel rapidly took their positions and conducted thorough inspections of critical components. "The quality of ground support directly affects the continuity and safety of flight training," a ground crew mechanic told this reporter. In response to the characteristics of nighttime operations — poor visibility and a fast support tempo — they had carefully developed lighting guidance plans and emergency repair contingency plans, clearly delineated responsibilities, and ensured that aircraft remained in a constant state of combat readiness.
Before long, the next wave of aircraft screamed into the sky to conduct training subjects including instrument flight and nighttime platform takeoffs and landings.
The night was as dark as ink. No sooner had training concluded than the after-action review began. Participating personnel reviewed flight video footage and analyzed flight parameter data, engaging in in-depth discussion around key areas such as tactical employment and information processing, identifying shortcomings and weak points, and clarifying corrective measures. "We will organize focused and intensive drilling targeting the problems identified in the after-action review, continuously optimize and refine training methods under complex meteorological conditions, and comprehensively enhance the force's all-time-domain, all-weather situational awareness and joint operations capabilities," the unit's leadership said.