Pilots warned Chinese ships may be conducting live-fire exercises off Australian coast

9News national affairs editor Andrew Probyn has been told at least two pilots flying different planes heard broadcasts from one of the Chinese ships this morning, warning that it was about to fire.

9News understands Airservices Australia has been warning commercial pilots of reports of live fire exercises by the People’s Liberation Army Navy in the Tasman Sea, somewhere between Australia and New Zealand.

The flotilla has come within about 150 nautical miles (276km) of Sydney and has remained in international waters.

Among the group of ships is the Renhai-class guided missile cruiser Zunyi, one of the world’s most advanced warships.