PLAAF Capability - A2/AD and Its Support for CCP Goals

US JOINT AIR OPERATIONS
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US Joint Air Operations
Analyzing PLAAF Capability - A2/AD and its Support for CCP Goals
The PLAAF's A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial) capability is critical to China's military strategy and aligns with the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) broader goals and objectives. A2/AD is a concept that seeks to limit an adversary's military access to certain areas while denying them freedom of action inside those areas. The PLAAF's A2/AD strategy involves deploying modern anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missile systems, and robust air defense networks.
The goal of A2/AD is to challenge perceived US and ally military superiority, particularly in the Western Pacific region. China hopes to secure its territorial interests, defend critical maritime claims (such as the South China Sea), and dissuade possible enemies from participating in regional disputes by constructing a solid A2/AD bubble. The A2/AD strategy also serves China's larger strategic goal of achieving regional dominance and ensuring stability, which is crucial for maintaining the CCP's legitimacy and control domestically.
A2/AD is interconnected with other elements of PLAAF airpower. It complements offensive air operations by enhancing the PLAAF's ability to deter and repel enemy forces attempting to enter the contested airspace. Additionally, it supports air superiority by denying adversaries the ability to operate freely in the region, giving the PLAAF a home advantage in the event of hostilities.
The A2/AD doctrine aligns with China's military strategy, "Active Defense." This strategy emphasizes preemption, counterattack, and strategic defensive measures. By implementing A2/AD, China proactively seeks to neutralize potential threats before they become imminent, projecting strength and readiness to defend its interests. A2/AD manifests China's commitment to the People's War under modern conditions, as it prioritizes the defense of territorial integrity through technological advancements and asymmetric tactics.[John T. Farquhar, “Airpower and Irregular War. A Battle of Ideas,” 2017: 53.]
Furthermore, the A2/AD capability supports the broader concept of the "Second Island Chain," which envisions China's extended defense perimeter in the Western Pacific, encompassing islands such as Guam and other US military bases. By deploying A2/AD systems along this chain, the PLAAF aims to deter US military activities in the region and exert more significant influence over neighboring countries.
The Influence of A2/AD on US Joint Air Operations
The PLAAF's A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial) capability significantly influences US Joint Air Operations, presenting complex challenges and necessitating innovative strategies. A2/AD is a comprehensive defense doctrine that aims to restrict an adversary's access and freedom of action within specific areas by deploying advanced anti-aircraft and anti-ship missile systems, surface-to-air missiles, and robust air defense networks. One of the most profound effects of A2/AD on US Joint Air Operations is the denial of access to critical regions. The deployment of sophisticated missile systems and air defense networks creates a layered defense that challenges the US military's ability to operate freely in contested airspace. This denial of access hampers the US's ability to deploy forces, establish forward operating bases, and position aircraft carriers, which are essential for power projection in the Pacific theater.[Guillaume Lasconjarias, “NATO’s Response to Russian A2/AD in the Baltic States: Going beyond Conventional?” Scandinavian Journal of Military Studies 2, no. 1 (2019): 78.]
Moreover, A2/AD poses a significant obstacle to attaining air superiority, a crucial objective in Joint Air Operations. The PLAAF's advanced surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft weaponry can contest US and Allied efforts to gain airspace control. This advancement requires US forces to contend with formidable air defenses, making achieving and maintaining air superiority more challenging, which is fundamental for successful offensive air operations. Long-range anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles in A2/AD zones also present vulnerabilities for US aircraft carriers and other high-value assets. US forces must carefully plan and execute offensive operations to minimize exposure to potential threats, reducing the time and space available for successful strikes against enemy targets.[Guillaume Lasconjarias, “NATO’s Response to Russian A2/AD in the Baltic States: Going beyond Conventional?” Scandinavian Journal of Military Studies 2, no. 1 (2019): 80.]
A2/AD also impacts defensive counter-air operations. The PLAAF's comprehensive air defense systems can make it difficult for the US military to establish air dominance and gain control of the airspace in contested regions. This challenge necessitates integrated joint air operations, where all military domains work cohesively to overcome the layered defense systems and effectively counter A2/AD measures.
Furthermore, A2/AD significantly hampers Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The dense air defense network and anti-satellite capabilities of the PLAAF limit the US military's ability to gather real-time intelligence and effectively target high-priority enemy assets. Sustained ISR operations become challenging, and US forces must rely on innovative technologies and methods to penetrate A2/AD defenses and maintain situational awareness.
Strategically, A2/AD contributes to deterrence by signaling China's commitment to defending its interests and deterring potential adversaries from engaging in aggressive actions. The presence of advanced missile systems and air defense networks creates concerns about escalation in the event of conflict, influencing the decision-making process for both sides. Logistics and sustainment also face significant challenges in A2/AD environments. The PLAAF's capability to target bases, ports, and supply lines disrupts the US military's ability to sustain operations in the region. Adapting logistics practices becomes essential to maintain operational effectiveness and resilience in the face of A2/AD threats.
The Relationship of the A2/AD to the Elements of Joint Air Operations as Presented in Lessons 1 – 3
Air Superiority
A2/AD directly impacts the attainment of air superiority, a critical objecti...