MILITARY
US military explains Ghostrider gunship drill destroying Chinese ‘fishing boat’
It may only have been a simulation but questions were asked when it was revealed what the target was.
A recent military exercise saw the US deploy its formidable AC-130J Ghostrider gunship, unleashing a demonstration of firepower by targeting simulated Chinese fishing boats. The exercise, dubbed ‘Balikatan 24′, was conducted in collaboration with the Philippine military, showcasing the capabilities of this iconic aircraft.
During the exercise, the Ghostrider was tasked with executing a simulated maritime littoral strike, targeting vessels representing China’s expansive fishing fleet. This choice of adversary holds significance given China’s history of employing fishing vessels as a means to assert its maritime claims, a tactic that has raised eyebrows among military analysts.
AC-130J Ghostrider: arsenal and use
Equipped with an array of weaponry, including a 30-mm cannon and a 105-mm cannon mounted on its port-side lower fuselage, the AC-130J is a modified variant of the C-130 Hercules transport plane. Renowned for its ability to provide close air support to ground forces, this aircraft is a formidable asset in modern warfare.
During the exercise, the Ghostrider conducted a simulated strike against a vessel representing China’s fishing boats, highlighting China’s use of fishing fleets to assert maritime claims. A video showed shots hitting the water, causing an explosion, with a mast-like structure sinking, underscoring the intensity of the engagement.
The US military described the exercise as a showcase of the Ghostrider’s maritime engagement capabilities, with images on social media revealing the aftermath of the simulated strike. Experts note China’s use of fishing vessels, termed the ‘maritime militia,’ for both civilian and military purposes, blurring distinctions.
While these vessels may lack conventional weaponry, they are integral to China’s maritime strategy, serving logistical and surveillance roles during heightened tensions. Scholars like Shuxian Luo and Jonathan G. Panter have documented the evolution of China’s fishing fleet, highlighting its incorporation into broader military strategies.
Understanding and targeting Chinese tactics
China has shifted its maritime security strategy from a primarily naval focus to a multiagency approach, incorporating maritime law enforcement and the maritime militia. This reflects China’s aim to enhance maritime capabilities using civilian resources while reducing overt military presence.
While coordination between China’s maritime militia and naval forces remains unclear, reports suggest militia training from both the People’s Liberation Army Navy and the China Coast Guard, indicating integration within China’s maritime security structure.
The use of the AC-130J Ghostrider in Exercise ‘Balikatan 24′ reaffirms the US military’s commitment to Indo-Pacific security by demonstrating deterrence against potential adversaries’ maritime assets and strengthening regional alliances.