Chinese Navy increases anti submarine warfare with its new Y 8Q aircraft
The Y-8Q anti-submarine aircraft, showcased at the 15th China Airshow, is a critical asset in China's naval strategy. Developed by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation, this fixed-wing aircraft, based on the Y-8F-600 platform, enhances China's anti-submarine capabilities. Equipped with advanced systems like sonar-guided depth charges, magnetic anomaly detectors, and radar, the Y-8Q plays a pivotal role in shore-based operations. With a range of 6,000–7,000 kilometers, it outperforms previous Chinese models, although it still faces limitations compared to international counterparts like the U.S. P-8A Poseidon. The Y-8Q is key to China's expanding maritime defense and cost-effective anti-submarine strategy, contributing significantly to the PLANAF's operational flexibility.
