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The geopolitical landscape of the Asia-Pacific region has been significantly altered by China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea. By militarizing contested islands, China has not only heightened regional tensions but also spurred neighboring countries to enhance their amphibious capabilities, including the development and acquisition of advanced assault vehicles. This blog delves into the reasons behind these developments and the implications for regional security.
The Strategic Significance of the South China Sea
The South China Sea is a vital maritime region, encompassing key shipping routes, rich fishing grounds, and potential underwater oil and gas reserves. Multiple countries, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, have overlapping claims in this region. China’s construction of military facilities on various atolls and reefs, such as the Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands, has been a game-changer in this territorial dispute.
- Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs): The Spratlys are situated near vital shipping lanes crucial for global trade. Controlling these waters would allow China to disrupt international commerce.
- Natural Resources: The South China Sea is believed to be rich in natural resources, including oil and gas deposits and fisheries. China seeks to exploit these resources for its own economic gain.
The fierce competition for control over these islands is driven by their strategic value. The Spratly Islands, a collection of coral reefs in the eastern South China Sea, lie near crucial sea lanes and potentially lucrative maritime resources like fisheries and hydrocarbon deposits. Countries including Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, in addition to China, assert claims over parts of the Spratlys, each attempting to enforce their claims through the construction of military outposts and garrisons.
China defends its militarization efforts by citing sovereign rights and international law, asserting that deploying troops and weapons on these islands is a legitimate action. However, the United States and other regional actors view these moves as attempts to intimidate and coerce, as stated by former US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis.
China’s Militarization Efforts
In recent years, China has accelerated its militarization of disputed islands in the South China Sea, significantly altering the strategic balance in the region. This military buildup includes deploying anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), electronic jammers, and other advanced equipment on the Spratly Islands. Notably, China has also stationed a bomber aircraft at Woody Island, while constructing airstrips and harbors on several islands, enabling them to accommodate military aircraft and warships.
China’s militarization strategy involves placing anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs) and long-range SAMs on key structures such as Fiery Cross Reef, Mischief Reef, and Subi Reef. The HQ-9B SAMs deployed have a range exceeding 200 kilometers, and the YJ-12B ASCMs can strike targets nearly 300 kilometers away, creating a formidable barrier against naval forces and commercial shipping across a large portion of the South China Sea.
- Anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles: These weapons significantly bolster China’s ability to deter or prevent military intervention in the region.
- Electronic jammers: These can disrupt enemy communications and radar systems, providing China with a tactical advantage.
- Airstrips and harbors: These enable China to project power further into the South China Sea by deploying fighter jets, bombers, and warships.
Over the past decade, China has transformed several contested islands into fortified military outposts. These outposts feature airstrips capable of accommodating military aircraft, missile installations, radar systems, and naval docks. The militarization of these islands serves multiple strategic purposes for China:
- Control of Key Sea Lanes: By establishing a robust military presence, China can exert control over critical shipping lanes, potentially disrupting maritime trade in times of conflict.
- Power Projection: These bases enable China to project power far from its mainland, extending its reach and influence across the Asia-Pacific region.
- Deterrence and Defense: The fortified islands act as defensive strongholds, deterring other claimants from attempting to assert their sovereignty over disputed territories.
Regional Responses: Enhancing Amphibious Capabilities
In response to China’s actions, several countries in the region have prioritized the development of their amphibious capabilities. The ability to conduct amphibious operations is crucial for defending and potentially reclaiming contested islands.
Here are some notable developments:
- South Korea is enhancing its amphibious capabilities by building a second, improved version of its Dokdo-class landing platform dock (LPD). The country is also considering developing a new amphibious assault ship to support F-35B Joint Strike Fighters.
- Japan is transforming its Ground Self-Defense Force into amphibious units capable of defending outer islands. Japan has been rapidly enhancing its amphibious forces, notably establishing the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) in 2018. This brigade is equipped with advanced amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) and conducts regular training exercises to ensure readiness. It has contracted BAE Systems to supply 30 amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs), bolstering its ability to conduct island defense operations.
- Australia is also growing its amphibious capability, reflecting a broader regional trend toward strengthening amphibious forces in light of increasing maritime tensions. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has been investing in new amphibious ships and assault vehicles, ensuring they can effectively operate in littoral environments.
- Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines are all pursuing enhancements to their amphibious forces, recognizing the strategic necessity of these capabilities in the South China Sea. Indonesia stands out for its domestic production of amphibious vehicles. They possess a growing fleet of LVT-7 amphibious combat vehicles, which offer a combination of troop transport and offensive capabilities. While specific details are limited, Malaysia is looking to modernize its aging fleet of amphibious landing craft. This suggests a recognition of the need to improve their ability to deploy troops and equipment in maritime environments.
- Philippines: Given its proximity to the contested areas, the Philippines has intensified efforts to modernize its naval and marine forces. This includes acquiring new landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles to bolster its ability to defend its territorial claims. They are actively considering procuring new amphibious combat vehicles from the United States or South Korea. This signifies an intent to upgrade their existing fleet and enhance their ability to conduct landings and operations on islands.
- Vietnam: Vietnam has taken steps to improve its amphibious warfare capabilities through the procurement of modern amphibious vehicles and the enhancement of its marine units. Recent acquisitions include Russian-made BTR-4 armored personnel carriers, which provide increased firepower and troop transport capacity for island defense and amphibious operations.
- Singapore: Maintains a well-developed amphibious capability with Landing Ship Tank (LST) vessels and Bionix infantry fighting vehicles. These platforms allow Singapore to project force and conduct amphibious operations in the region.
Beyond Southeast Asia
China: China already possesses a significant amphibious capability. Their existing fleet includes various classes of landing ships and amphibious assault vehicles, which contribute to their overall military power projection in the region.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its Marine Corps (PLAMC) are equipped and trained to assert Chinese authority over disputed territories such as the South China Sea, Taiwan, and the Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Japan. The PLAMC is projected to grow to 100,000 personnel through the incorporation of additional units from the PLA. The PLA Navy (PLAN) is also capable of landing divisional formations via amphibious operations, involving all 12,000 marines. However, the PLAN is more likely to conduct brigade-sized deployments (approximately 6,000 personnel) to maintain surprise and maximize anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) effects in the South China Sea.
Advanced Amphibious Assault Ships
The Type 075 amphibious assault ships represent a significant enhancement in the PLAN’s island attack capabilities. With an estimated displacement of 40,000 tons, a length of 250 meters, a width of 30 meters, a draft of 8.5 meters, and a speed of 23 knots, the Type 075 is comparable to the US Wasp-class amphibious assault ships. A second Type 075 is under construction, and a third, larger variant is expected. These ships will feature four aircraft elevators, supporting the operation of up to 30 helicopters. However, China has yet to master the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) technology necessary for operating fighter jets from such platforms.
Amphibious Vehicles
The PLAMC is equipped with a family of tracked amphibious vehicles, notably the Type 05 series. This includes the ZBD-05 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) with a 30 mm cannon, the ZTD-05 with a 105 mm direct-fire gun, and the PLZ-07B with a 122 mm howitzer. The Type 05 vehicles are designed for deployment from naval ships to conduct opposed landings. Capable of operating in Sea State 4, these vehicles feature advanced amphibious design elements, such as hydraulic bow blades, elevated driver periscopes, and bilge pumps, to optimize performance in water.
The ZBD-05 IFV, in particular, boasts a stabilised 30 mm dual-feed cannon effective against medium-weight armored targets up to 1,500 meters, capable of firing accurately while stationary, on the move, and at sea.
A2/AD Strategy and Over-the-Horizon Capabilities
The amphibious capabilities of the Type 05 family enable the PLAMC to establish A2/AD zones by deploying from beyond the horizon to strategic locations, such as disputed islands. These zones would feature a concentration of air-defense and anti-ship assets, making intervention by opposing forces costly and challenging.
Air Power and Amphibious Aircraft
China has successfully tested its first domestically built amphibious aircraft, the AG600 (codenamed Kunlong), which is comparable in size to a Boeing 737. Designed and built by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the AG600 is poised to be the largest amphibious aircraft in the world. Once operational, it will enhance China’s ability to transport troops and supplies quickly and support search and rescue missions, thereby shifting the balance of power in the disputed region.
While the PLAMC currently relies heavily on PLAN for air support, this is mitigated by the construction of airstrips on Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef, and Mischief Reef. These facilities provide China with enhanced power projection capabilities in the South China Sea, featuring reinforced hangars capable of housing 24 fighters plus 3–4 larger aircraft.
Unmanned Amphibious Systems
China has also developed the world’s first armed amphibious drone boat, the Marine Lizard. Built by Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, the 12-meter-long Marine Lizard can operate at speeds up to 50 knots at sea and 20 kilometers per hour on land using retractable continuous track units. Equipped with an electro-optical system, radar system, machine guns, and a vertical launching system for missiles, the Marine Lizard can autonomously navigate and engage in combat, making it suitable for island assault operations and coastal defense.
The Marine Lizard can remain dormant on an uninhabited island for up to eight months, awaiting activation orders. Its integration with China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System allows for coordinated operations with other unmanned systems, forming a comprehensive sea-land-air combat network.
Moreover, the PLAN’s Marine Corps (PLAMC) is expanding, aiming to assert control over disputed territories like Taiwan and the Senkaku Islands. The Type 075, along with a fleet of amphibious vehicles like the Type 05 series, which includes infantry fighting vehicles, direct-fire guns, and howitzers, enhances China’s ability to conduct over-the-horizon assaults and establish anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) zones.
The Role of the United States
The United States plays a significant role in the regional security architecture. The US maintains a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific, and freedom of navigation operations are a key element of its strategy. The US also supplies military equipment to some regional allies and partners, potentially including amphibious vehicles.
The United States maintains a robust amphibious capability that serves as a cornerstone of its global force projection strategy. The US Navy operates the world’s largest fleet of amphibious assault ships and Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft. While ongoing developments may focus on modernization and upgrades to existing platforms, the US amphibious capability remains a key factor in regional security dynamics.
The US Marine Corps and Navy continue to develop and integrate new technologies, such as the F-35B short take-off and vertical landing aircraft, into their amphibious units. The USMC’s ongoing transition to new platforms, including the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), highlights a commitment to maintaining a robust amphibious force capable of responding to regional threats.
Armour and Vehicles
The US Marine Corps (USMC) leverages a robust array of armored assets, including the M1A1 main battle tank, despite its reliance on the vulnerable Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) for deployment. Additionally, the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV-25) family provides versatile firepower but lacks the capability to navigate rough surf zones independently, necessitating calm seas or transport for ship-to-shore operations.
Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Series
The LAV-25, an 8×8 wheeled vehicle, offers substantial versatility for land and sea operations. It includes variants such as:
- LAV-25: Armed with a 25 mm cannon.
- LAV-M: Equipped with an 81 mm mortar.
- LAV-AT: Features the TOW missile system, including TOW-2B for top-attack capabilities and TOW-2A for penetrating 1,000 mm of RHA behind ERA.
The LAV-25 series is designed for rapid deployment rather than opposed assault landings, with the TOW-2B and TOW-2A missiles providing potent anti-tank capabilities.
Advanced Combat Vehicles
The USMC is transitioning to the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) from BAE Systems, which replaces the older Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV). The ACV is expected to combine water mobility with improved land performance and protection.
Amphibious Combat Vehicle 30mm Cannon Ready for Marine Corps Testing
BAE Systems has delivered the inaugural production-ready test vehicle of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle 30mm Cannon (ACV-30) variant to the US Marine Corps, marking a significant milestone in enhancing fire support and troop mobility with future-ready technology.
The ACV-30 variant is designed to equip dismounted Marines with advanced direct fire support, significantly improving target engagement efficiency. This variant, developed in collaboration with Iveco Defence Vehicles and Kongsberg, offers enhanced lethality and sets the stage for integrating technologies to counter future threats, aligning with the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 priorities.
Garrett Lacaillade, Vice President of the Amphibious Vehicles Product Line for BAE Systems, highlighted the ACV-30’s capabilities: “The ACV-30 equips dismounted Marines with direct fire support, allowing them to simultaneously find, fix, and engage targets more effectively and efficiently than current systems.”
As the third variant in the ACV family, the ACV-30 introduces a stabilized, medium-caliber Remote Turret System crafted by Kongsberg. This system significantly enhances lethality and protection for Marines while optimizing troop capacity and payload, maintaining crew safety under armor. The remote turret system addresses spatial constraints associated with legacy turreted cannon systems, offering more room for transporting troops or mission-critical equipment and reducing weight for improved mobility on the battlefield.
The ACV-30’s design allows for the integration of new technologies, ensuring its adaptability to counter emerging threats on the battlefield. This capability ensures that the ACV-30 remains a versatile and resilient asset for the Marine Corps, capable of meeting the demands of modern warfare.
- ACV Design: A 34-ton, eight-wheel-drive vehicle that balances survivability, mobility, and amphibious performance.
- Capabilities: Carries a full squad of 13 Marines, enhanced land mobility comparable to the Army’s Stryker, and protection levels equivalent to MRAP vehicles.
- Upgrades: Improved suspension, power train, water jets, and blast-mitigating seats enhance survivability and mobility.
The ACV program consolidates the ACV 1.1 and ACV 1.2 variants into a single, versatile platform expected to replace the AAV fleet.
Air Power
The USMC is bolstering its air capabilities with the F-35C Lightning II, AH-1Z attack helicopters, and the KC-130J Harvest HAWK.
F-35C Lightning II
- Capabilities: Provides advanced air combat capability and precision ground attack with GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II and AIM-120C missiles.
- Deployment: West Coast Marine Attack Squadrons are first to transition from Harriers to F-35Cs.
AH-1Z Viper
- Armament: Equipped with Hellfire missiles, offering fire-and-forget capabilities with a range of up to 12 km.
KC-130J Harvest HAWK
- Modular Kit: Includes AN/AAQ-30 Target Sight Sensor, AGM-114P Hellfire II missiles, and options for GBU-44/E Viper Strike and Raytheon Griffin ASMs.
Support and Coordination
The USMC operates a large fleet of support helicopters, including the V-22 Osprey and the CH-53 Sea Stallion, ensuring robust logistical and operational support during amphibious and ground operations. The USMC’s efforts are complemented by the extensive assets of the US Navy (USN), including carrier groups and additional aircraft.
Enhanced and Updated Overview of US Marine Amphibious Capabilities
Armour and Vehicles
The US Marine Corps (USMC) leverages a robust array of armored assets, including the M1A1 main battle tank, despite its reliance on the vulnerable Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) for deployment. Additionally, the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV-25) family provides versatile firepower but lacks the capability to navigate rough surf zones independently, necessitating calm seas or transport for ship-to-shore operations.
Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Series
The LAV-25, an 8×8 wheeled vehicle, offers substantial versatility for land and sea operations. It includes variants such as:
- LAV-25: Armed with a 25 mm cannon.
- LAV-M: Equipped with an 81 mm mortar.
- LAV-AT: Features the TOW missile system, including TOW-2B for top-attack capabilities and TOW-2A for penetrating 1,000 mm of RHA behind ERA.
The LAV-25 series is designed for rapid deployment rather than opposed assault landings, with the TOW-2B and TOW-2A missiles providing potent anti-tank capabilities.
Advanced Combat Vehicles
The USMC is transitioning to the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) from BAE Systems, which replaces the older Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV). The ACV is expected to combine water mobility with improved land performance and protection.
Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV)
- ACV Design: A 34-ton, eight-wheel-drive vehicle that balances survivability, mobility, and amphibious performance.
- Capabilities: Carries a full squad of 13 Marines, enhanced land mobility comparable to the Army’s Stryker, and protection levels equivalent to MRAP vehicles.
- Upgrades: Improved suspension, power train, water jets, and blast-mitigating seats enhance survivability and mobility.
The ACV program consolidates the ACV 1.1 and ACV 1.2 variants into a single, versatile platform expected to replace the AAV fleet.
Air Power
The USMC is bolstering its air capabilities with the F-35C Lightning II, AH-1Z attack helicopters, and the KC-130J Harvest HAWK.
F-35C Lightning II
- Capabilities: Provides advanced air combat capability and precision ground attack with GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II and AIM-120C missiles.
- Deployment: West Coast Marine Attack Squadrons are first to transition from Harriers to F-35Cs.
AH-1Z Viper
- Armament: Equipped with Hellfire missiles, offering fire-and-forget capabilities with a range of up to 12 km.
KC-130J Harvest HAWK
- Modular Kit: Includes AN/AAQ-30 Target Sight Sensor, AGM-114P Hellfire II missiles, and options for GBU-44/E Viper Strike and Raytheon Griffin ASMs.
Support and Coordination
The USMC operates a large fleet of support helicopters, including the V-22 Osprey and the CH-53 Sea Stallion, ensuring robust logistical and operational support during amphibious and ground operations. The USMC’s efforts are complemented by the extensive assets of the US Navy (USN), including carrier groups and additional aircraft.
International Collaboration
US-Japan Amphibious Capabilities
The USMC collaborates with Japan’s newly established Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB), enhancing joint operational capabilities. Exercises like Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat (KAMANDAG) 2 focus on amphibious operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and counterterrorism. The collaboration extends to joint training and operational exercises, improving the amphibious capabilities of both forces.
The USMC continues to evolve its amphibious capabilities with technological advancements and international partnerships, ensuring readiness for rapid deployment and robust defense operations worldwide. The integration of new platforms like the ACV and F-35C, along with ongoing enhancements to existing assets, positions the USMC as a formidable force in amphibious warfare
The Role of Amphibious Assault Vehicles
Amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) play a critical role in modern amphibious operations. These vehicles are designed to transport troops and equipment from ships to shore, overcoming natural and man-made obstacles. The development and deployment of advanced AAVs are crucial for several reasons:
- Flexibility and Mobility: AAVs provide the flexibility and mobility needed to conduct rapid, large-scale landings on contested islands or other coastal areas.
- Force Projection: They enable countries to project power and respond quickly to emerging threats, ensuring a swift and decisive military presence.
- Operational Versatility: Modern AAVs are equipped with advanced weaponry and communication systems, making them versatile tools for a wide range of military operations.
Global Trends
As nations continue to develop and deploy advanced amphibious platforms, the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region will likely hinge on the effectiveness and readiness of these forces. The ongoing enhancements in amphibious capabilities across the globe signify a recognition of the critical role these forces will play in future conflicts and regional stability efforts.
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Focus on Modernization: Many countries are prioritizing the modernization of their existing amphibious fleets, aiming to improve operational effectiveness and keep pace with advancements in technology.
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Indigenous Production: Some countries, like Indonesia, are looking to develop their own amphibious capabilities through domestic production. This reduces reliance on external suppliers and potentially allows for customization based on specific needs.
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Strategic Importance: Amphibious capabilities are increasingly viewed as strategically important for various reasons, including territorial defense, disaster relief operations, and maintaining freedom of navigation in strategic waterways.
Amphibious forces are crucial not only for conventional military operations but also for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, highlighting their versatility and strategic value.
Conclusion
The ongoing militarization of contested islands in the East and South China Seas is a cause for concern. China’s militarization of contested islands in the South China Sea has prompted a significant shift in regional defense strategies. Countries such as Japan, Australia, the Philippines, and Vietnam are developing and enhancing their amphibious capabilities to counterbalance China’s growing military presence. The acquisition and deployment of advanced amphibious assault vehicles are central to these efforts, providing the necessary tools to defend territorial claims and ensure regional stability.
As tensions continue to simmer, the importance of amphibious capabilities in maintaining a balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region cannot be overstated. The growing focus on amphibious capabilities by regional countries reflects the need to prepare for potential contingencies. Diplomacy and dialogue remain crucial to peacefully resolving territorial disputes and preventing an escalation of tensions.
