China’s first aircraft carrier battle group has carried out its first live-fire exercise, the Defense Ministry has announced.
(FOX)- Dozens of ships and aircraft took part in the exercise “a few days ago” in the Bohai Sea in eastern China to test weapon performance and training levels, according to a statement posted Thursday on the ministry’s website.
China said last month that its aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, was ready to engage in combat, marking a milestone for a navy that has invested heavily in its ability to project power far from China’s shores.
The carrier, destroyers and frigates carried out exercises covering air interception, sea-based attacks and air-defense as well as reconnaissance, early warning and anti-missile systems.
China-developed J-15 fighters carried live ammunition and performed strike exercises, the ministry said. Footage on state broadcaster China Central Television showed fighters launching missiles and hitting targets, and one pilot wore a helmet with “SHOOT IT” written in English across the top.