China’s PLA conducts live-fire air defense drill amid regional tensions

As tensions escalate across the Middle East following Iran’s retaliatory strikes, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted an integrated live-fire air defense drill under simulated electronic warfare conditions. The March 2 exercise involved coordinated operations between an army brigade’s air defense troops and PLA Air Force radar and aviation units, testing layered interception capabilities in a complex electromagnetic environment. Key platforms deployed included the PG-99 twin 35mm anti-aircraft artillery system, the HQ-16 medium-range surface-to-air missile system, and the Type 625 short-range air defense system. The drill reportedly simulated air-land confrontational scenarios and rehearsed resilience against jamming and electronic disruption.