BEIJING, March 27 -- The Chinese military will make sure enough troops are available during search efforts for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, a Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Geng Yansheng said as of Thursday, three Chinese naval vessels (including two helicopters) and two Chinese IL-76 transport planes were searching for MH370 in the Indian Ocean west of Australia.

Naval vessel Jinggangshan, an amphibious landing vessel, is heading for southern Indian Ocean waters, while rescue vessel Yongxingdao remains in the eastern part of the south Indian Ocean, he said.

The 17th Chinese escort naval fleet heading for the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia will also help search key areas, he said.

So far, the Chinese naval vessels have scoured 93,000 square kilometers of sea areas, while air force planes have searched an area of 102,000 square kilometers. More than 10 military satellites were deployed in the search, said Geng.