At 6 a.m. on Sept. 26 in the South China Sea, the PLA Navy Donghai Fleet started a live-fire drill targeting surface vessels and submarines.
“An enemy submarine has entered our waters. Helicopters launch for strike！”
On arriving in the target waters, the fleet received an order from the command ship, Xuzhou, and an alarm sounded. Immediately the ships Xuzhou and Shangrao formed an anti-submarine formation while shipboard helicopters took off. The command ship constantly received surveillance data from the helicopter. Captain Li Guohui concentrated on the monitors and issued orders as the data arrived.
As the search continued, operator Guo Yipeng suddenly detected an echo, signaling the discovery of a submarine. After comparison analysis, it was identified as an “enemy” target. The command ship immediately shared the information with the Shangrao. Both ships were in a favorable position to quietly approach the enemy submarine. “Launch torpedoes,” said the commander. Several torpedoes were fired.
The helicopters had barely returned to the ship when alarm sounded again. “A surfaced enemy submarine has entered our ambush area. Strike!”
Two different types of submarines were dispatched immediately to mount a surprise attack. Data on the sonar displays of both ships were quickly updated. All of a sudden, a bright spot flashed past on one of the two displays. “Enemy submarine!” The data showed the enemy submarine had quickly changed direction in attempt to escape the strike -- but too late. The other submarine had locked on it. “Torpedo tube ready; awaiting orders.” “Fire!” The operator pressed the “Fire” button and a torpedo roared out. The target submarine was hit with a bang.
With the ripples of the sinking submarine still in sight, another battle had began underwater. Intelligence showed an enemy submarine nearby. One submarine was ordered to strike. Soon, it had locked on to the position of the enemy submarine. Submarine Commander Yang Hongtao gave the order to fire a torpedo. A dull explosion sounded in the distance -- another hit. ○ (Translated by Cheng Yunjie)
