Headquartered in Weifang, Shandong Province, the 26th Group Army (GA) is responsible for the defence of the strategically crucial Shandong Peninsula against an invasion by sea or by air. Supported by strong air and naval forces stationed in the region, the 26th GA is tasked to launch a counter strike against a possible amphibious or airborne assault on the peninsula.
The 26th GA was formed in 1985 on the basis of the PLA 26th Corps. It is composed of the 8th Armoured Division (stationed in Weifang), 77th Motorised Infantry Brigade (stationed Haiyang), 138th Motorised Infantry Brigade (stationed in Laiyang), 199th Motorised Infantry Brigade (stationed in Zibo), 8th Artillery Brigade (stationed in Weifang), 7th Army Aviation Regiment (stationed in Liaocheng), and an air defence brigade (stationed in Jimo). The special operations forces group of the Jinan Military Region has also been reassigned to the 26th GA.
Unlike most other GAs, which are intended to be deployed anywhere within the country, the 26th GA has never left its current location.
