The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force concluded its first large-scale combat training exercises of 2026 this week, conducting intensive drills from January 4 to 6 across multiple operational theaters. The exercises focused on joint strike capabilities, air defense coordination, and rapid deployment scenarios designed to enhance readiness in complex combat environments.
Military analysts note the drills occurred against the backdrop of heightened security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly regarding cross-strait relations and the Taiwan Strait. The training emphasized real-time intelligence sharing between fighter jet units and ground-based radar systems, with J-20 stealth fighters reportedly playing a central role in simulated air superiority missions.
While the PLA maintains these are routine annual exercises, the timing coincides with increased diplomatic activity across the region. The DPRK recently conducted missile tests in the Yellow Sea, and the U.S. Navy announced plans to deploy additional assets to the South China Sea later this quarter. Experts suggest the PLA's emphasis on multi-domain operations reflects evolving defense strategies in response to regional security challenges.
