Troops of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) started an air-ground live-fire drill in southwest China's Yunnan Province, close to the border with Myanmar on Tuesday.

On the morning of the first day’s drill, the army made a precise aerial attack. The air attack is very important in the mountainous jungle areas as it’s hard for the vehicles and soldiers to reach.

Zhi-9 (Z-9) utility helicopters also took part in the drill. These helicopters were equipped with special cameras, by which the soldiers could see the attack of rocket projectiles.

In the afternoon, the detective radar used only 8 seconds to identify the enemy position before the army launched an accurate attack with howitzers against the enemy.

Aviation, artillery, air defense, infantry, missile and radar units all participated in the drill. Local departments of the Communist Party of China and the government, national defense mobilization agencies and militia were also involved.

The exercise aims at testing military maneuvers, reconnaissance, strike power, mobilization and militia reserve support, said Tang Jibing, senior colonel with the PLA Chengdu Military Area Command.

"Holding drills is an effective way to enhance joint operations capabilities and it is necessary in safeguarding frontier and air defense and protecting people's lives and property," Tang said.

The exercise will be conducted in accordance with training plans, with exercise areas and attack targets randomly selected, he added.

The PLA said Chinese authorities have informed Myanmar of the drill, and an end date will be announced later.