In a statement released on Friday on its WeChat account, the Navy reported that the exercise was carried out by almost 100 naval pilots over waters west of the southern island of Hainan province. Dozens of air-to - air missiles were launched during the operation, intended to test the combat, command and logistical support capabilities of naval aviation units, it said.

According to the statement, this exercise was the first time more than 30 aviators had fired a real missile.

In recent months, the PLA has carried out a series of live-fire exercises in the air and waters of the South China Sea, responding to security threats from international military forces.

Maritime Business World