China's military firepower: An overview
Chinese military might has become a topic of growing concern for the modern western world.
Despite Russia's aggression in Ukraine grabbing the international spotlight, tensions in China have spiked over Taiwan and the West yet again in recent months, and China continues to display its might with live-firing exercises and launching war games with Russia and Iran.
The International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) has examined the power of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) as leaders pursue diplomatic solutions.
Here is what we do know of China's military capability during an era of great competition, comparing stats with the UK and its most powerful military partner, the US.
Overview
The following information is taken from the IISS, an authority on global security and military conflict, the latest reliable data in 2022:
Active Personnel - 2,035,000
Reserve Personnel - 510,000
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Launchers - 116
Watch: China conducts live-firing drills near Taiwan.
Air Force
Bomber Aircraft - 176
Fighter and Ground Attack Aircraft - 1,848
Multi-role Helicopters - 22
Heavy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles - 26
Heavy/Medium Transport Helicopters - 49
Transport Aircraft - 247
Tanker and Multi-Role Tanker/Transport Aircraft - 16
Airborne Early-Warning and Control Aircraft - 19
Air defence SAMs: 832
Watch: China shows further signs of ambition to be major maritime power
Sea Power
Ballistic-Missile Nuclear-Powered Submarines - 6
Tactical Submarines - 53
Destroyers - 36
Landing Ships - 49
Mine Warfare - 57
Patrol and coastal combatants - 196
Principal Amphibious Ships - 9
Special Operations
China has special operations brigades in its army, marines and Airborne Corps.
Elite units are also present in three of five theatre commands dividing the military structure.
Cyber
The PLA's Strategic Support Force was set up in 2015 and combined space, cyber, electronic and psychological warfare capabilities.
The force exists to gather and manage information but also to war theatre commands with the data.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
