Recent satellite images have unveiled the formidable arsenal of a Chinese naval fleet currently under the watchful eye of the Australian Defence Force.
A New Zealand-based private intelligence firm has utilized satellite technology to identify these warships belonging to China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
Earlier this week, Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that the Australian Defence Force is actively monitoring the Chinese fleet. The development was initially reported by the Australian Financial Review the previous Thursday.
Starboard Maritime Intelligence, the private company in question, has analyzed satellite images that reveal a combination of naval vessels—a frigate, a destroyer, a Landing Helicopter Dock ship, and a replenishment vessel—navigating through the Philippine Sea.
The firm has shared an image on X, depicting the flotilla approximately 260 nautical miles east of the Philippines.
“This assembly showcases a considerable display of expeditionary strength, capable of sustained operations away from shore-based support for long durations,” noted Starboard Maritime Intelligence.
The company’s analyst, Mark Douglas, told the ABC the PLA-N destroyer and the frigate offered defence for the flotilla, and that the frigate would be “looking for submarines that might be tracking the task group.
Marles, speaking yesterday during a visit to Papua New Guinea for a meeting with his PNG counterpart, reiterated he would not provide a “running commentary” about the Chinese task group.
“Obviously, we speak very closely with our friends and allies, and we will do that,” he said.
