PLA navy conducts aviation drill to improve combat capabilities

A naval aviation regiment of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command has staged an air combat drill, with subjects set against real-combat scenarios to test pilots' technical and tactical capabilities.

During the drill, a series of real-combat subjects were carried out in succession, such as air combat maneuvers and air blockade.

Multiple fighter jets took off in turn and headed straight to the mission airspace.

In a simulated dogfight between two units codenamed the "red force" and "blue force" respectively, under the guidance of the ground commanders, pilots of the "red force" constantly adjusted for the proper state to look for the best time and angle to launch attacks, and turned on the airborne radar equipment to quickly search for the combat aircraft of the "blue force", collaborating with the wing planes to cover the assault operations,

After spotting the fighters of the "blue force", the pilots of the "red force" immediately flew at full throttle while coordinating with wing planes to launch a simulated precision strike.

The night flight training also kicked off on the day as evening closed in.

The pilots reviewed and summarized the experience obtained during the daytime drill so as to further hone their flying skills and improve their capabilities through the night training.

PLA navy conducts aviation drill to improve combat capabilities

PLA navy conducts aviation drill to improve combat capabilities

PLA navy conducts aviation drill to improve combat capabilities

PLA navy conducts aviation drill to improve combat capabilities

PLA navy conducts aviation drill to improve combat capabilities

PLA navy conducts aviation drill to improve combat capabilities

Investors have been pricing in renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, pushing crude futures to surge by over three percent on Thursday as the second round of U.S.-Iran talks remains at a standstill.

The West Texas Intermediate for June delivery increased by 3.11 percent to settle at 95.85 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for June delivery jumped by 3.10 percent to settle at 105.07 U.S. dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

Data recently released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed U.S. refined oil inventories, including gasoline, last week posted a far steeper drop than the market had expected.

The sharp decline indicates a shortfall in supply to meet downstream demand, contributing to Thursday's surge in oil prices.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he will extend the ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan's request, but did not specify an end date.

While the move is welcomed, it has yet to generate momentum for dialogue. Iran has made it clear that it will not engage in a new round of talks unless Trump lifts his blockade on ships entering and exiting Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.

Crude futures surge by over 3 pct on Thursday amid stalled US-Iran talks