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Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Combat readiness of Chinese defence equipment remains highly doubtful
The F-7BGI fighter jet of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) that crashed earlier this week into the Milestone School and College campus killing dozens, mostly children, is a single-engine, lightweight fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China. It is considered a modernized version of Chengdu F-7, also known as J-7 whose lineage can be traced back to the Soviet Mig-21. The People's Liberation Army Airforce (PLAAF) and other countries have continued to upgrade F-7 to F-7BGI for training and limited combat roles. China officially terminated production of the F-7 series in 2013 and Bangladesh bought the final match of these aircraft that same year. PLAAF decommissioned the entire J-7 fleet by the end of 2023. Since 1992, the BAF has recorded 27 fighter aircraft, including trainer crashes. Further, from 2005 till date, BAF lost 11 aircraft in crashes, of these seven were Chinese aircraft, three Russian and one a Czech aircraft. Most of the crashes involved Chinese-origin aircraft. Over the years, the BAF has lost Wing Commanders, Squadron Leaders, Flight Lieutenants, Flying Officers, Warrant Officers and Cadet pilots. Surprisingly, despite the outdated equipment, BAF still continues to seal new defence deals with the Chinese. Bangladesh imports about 85 per cent of defence equipment from China. This includes Tanks (MBT-2000, Type 59, Type 69), artillery systems, and small arms for the army; Frigates, missile boats, and submarines (Ming-class) for the Navy and fighter jets (F-7 BGI, K-8W training jets) for its Air Force. Pakistan too is dependent on China for more than 85 per cent of its military requirement. Despite Pakistan's financial constraints and reliance on foreign loans, Pakistan has spent a lot of money over the last five years to buy Chinese defence equipment to modernise its own military. Pakistan has a significant inventory of Chinese-origin weapons and systems, including air defence systems, J-10 and JF-17 fighters, submarines, and warships. Between 2020-24, China had supplied 81 per cent of Pakistan's total arms imports, making Beijing Islamabad's largest arms supplier. This included fighter jets JF-17 Thunder (co-developed), J-10C Firebird; submarines like Hangor-class (Type 039B/041); Type 054A/P Frigates (Tughril-class); Air Defence Systems (ADS) HQ-9 Long-Range Air Defence, LY-80 (HQ-16 export version); Tanks: VT-4 Main Battle Tanks (Haider); Artillery: SH-15 155mm howitzers and Drones: Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) like CH-4 'Rainbow'. Wing Loong II and Azmat-class Fast Attack Crafts vessels, equipped with C-802A anti-ship missiles, have also been built with the Chinese assistance. At the same time, Pakistan continues to lean towards Chinese platforms. India's 'Operation Sindoor' post-spine-chilling attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22 by Pakistan-based terror group The Resistance Front (TRF), practically neutralised Pakistani ADS at a number of locations across the border. Chinese weapons and China's grand experiment to turn Pakistan into a testing ground for its military hardware backfired spectacularly, with Indian systems outperforming the Chinese ones. HQ-9 Chinese ADS failed to intercept Indian missiles. India struck Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase Chaklala Cantonment in Rawalpindi, considered to be critical in Pakistan's military infrastructure. Importantly, China had helped Pakistan in adjusting its satellite coverage over India during 'Operation Sindoor', which Pakistan acknowledged. In a major ELINT win, India was able to capture unique signal emissions and system behaviour linked to the Pakistan Air Force's J-10C and JF-17 multirole fighter jets, as well as PL 15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air and HQ-7 and HQ-9 surface-to-air missile systems, which were frontline Chinese-origin weapon systems. Nigerian Air Force too had serious problems with the F-7Ni aircraft which was involved in accidents, including mid-air collision in 2018 during air display rehearsal. Seven aircraft were marked for high-tech maintenance in China including two aircraft slated for a life extension programme with the Chinese support within Nigeria. Similarly, several African countries including Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Jordan have had difficulties with the sub-standard Chinese Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Jordan's Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) was dissatisfied with the performance of the Chinese CH-4B drones in 2016 and subsequently put them up for sale in 2019. China is happy selling its defence equipment to developing countries or to the least developed countries. Chinese defence firms sell the equipment indiscriminately. However, to maintain its dominance in the military sphere at the global level, China never allows export of advanced variants of defence equipment. Moreover, China has deftly sold defence equipment to governments and regimes without any regard for human rights violations or degree of stability or intentions and little accountability. The developing countries continue to operate these faulty Chinese defence equipment causing fatal accidents. China's Military-Industrial Complex (MIC) plays a crucial role in forming the defence and security landscape of other buyer nations. China is adept in using espionage to acquire defence technology. Recently, the US Department of Defence (DoD) had accused Beijing in this regard. China is the fourth largest arms exporter globally. It holds 5.8 per cent share of the global arms bazaar. In 2010, China was the world's second largest arms importer. China's sudden leap in every domain - fighter jets, warships, missile systems, space technology and drones - has deeply upset several countries. China's defence equipment exports are primarily concentrated in Asia. A substantial portion of China's arms exports is to Pakistan. China's defence exports touched a 10-year high in 2022 with USD $3.24 billion. However, China continues to face challenges in meeting its sophisticated quality defence exports equipment spearheaded by President Xi Jinping, aimed at especially supporting China's rise as a global military power. China offers weapons at a favourable low price, including credits and soft loans compared to the Western countries. The rise of China's in-house defence industry has resulted in lesser quality control. Furthermore, developing countries have few alternatives and affordability is the key issue. Inferior technology weapons, inconsistent performance, defective components, and insufficient after-sales service have become synonymous with China's military hardware. These issues have damaged and will continue to destroy China's reputation as an arms exporter.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Beijing, Ankara hail PAF's combat edge amid tensions with India
ISLAMABAD: In a rare show of coordinated praise, senior defence officials from China and Turkiye have commended the combat readiness and operational capability of the following last month's four-day conflict with India, a development seen in Islamabad as quiet validation of its evolving airpower doctrine. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In back-to-back high-level visits to Air Headquarters in Islamabad this week, top officials from the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the Turkish ministry of defence hailed PAF's 'decisive' response and 'battle-proven' performance during the May clashes. China's Chief of Air Staff, Lt Gen Wang Gang, met PAF chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on Tuesday and described Pakistan's aerial actions as 'a textbook example of precision, discipline and courage in the face of unprovoked aggression'. He praised PAF's integration of multi-domain operations (MDOs), calling it a 'hallmark of modern air warfare', and expressed interest in adopting elements of PAF's doctrine for the PLAAF. A day later, on Wednesday, Turkiye defence minister Yaşar Güler offered similar praise. Calling the PAF's performance 'exceptional', Güler lauded Sidhu's 'insightful leadership' and highlighted PAF's role in the 'resolute defence of national sovereignty'. He also proposed expanded cooperation in training, unmanned aerial systems, and disruptive technologies. Güler's visit coincided with the arrival of Turkiye foreign minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday, signalling coordinated diplomatic and military outreach as Pakistan seeks to shore up support from key allies. Neither China nor Turkiye elaborated on the details of the May conflict — downplayed by Islamabad and denied outright by New Delhi — but both echoed Pakistan's military narrative, offering a diplomatic boost as Islamabad contends with regional isolation and growing India-West defence ties. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Both delegations were briefed on PAF's restructured posture, including its focus on AI-driven targeting and cyber-electronic warfare. PLAAF officials reportedly showed strong interest in the JF-17 Block III, a jointly developed fighter jet now equipped with AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar and advanced avionics. The Turkish side proposed joint working groups to fast-track industry-to-industry ties — part of Ankara's push to expand its defence footprint in South Asia amid rising collaboration with Pakistan on drones, pilot training, and aerospace development. The rare twin endorsements from two of Pakistan's closest allies reflect a shifting regional balance, with China and Turkiye increasingly positioning themselves as strategic counterweights to India's deepening ties with the US, France and Israel. While India denies any aerial losses, the external praise for PAF suggests otherwise, raising questions about whether these visits signal deeper strategic alignment or simply calculated shows of support. Islamabad and Ankara on Wednesday agreed to boost their cooperation in a range of sectors, including defence, trade, energy and infrastructure, aiming to enhance bilateral trade volume to $5 billion. This was agreed during talks between Fidan and Guler with Pakistan foreign minister Ishaq Dar here. 'Pakistan would like to benefit from Turkiye's expertise and experiences in this (defence) field,' Dar said. 'We are actively engaged in different activities, including capacity building and counterterrorism,' Dar said, describing Turkiye as a "trusted friend" and a "reliable brother'. "We are pursuing the establishment of a Special Economic Zone dedicated to Turkish entrepreneurs at Karachi,' Dar said. He also mentioned finalising the revival of the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad train.
Express Tribune
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PAF tactics catch China's strategic eye
PLAAF chief Lt-Gen Wang Gang meets with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad. Photo: express Listen to article The Chinese Air Force Chief on Tuesday praised Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) exemplary performance in the recent Pakistan-India conflict and expressed interest in learning from PAF's battle-proven experience in multi-domain operations. Leading a high-level defence delegation led by Lt-Gen Wang Gang, Chief of Staff of People's Liberation Army Air Force, visited the Air Headquarters in Islamabad to meet Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff. The visit of the top Chinese air force officer came two months after Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three highly-advanced French-made Rafale. The story made international headlines as for the first time the Chinese military hardware proved its combat superiority over the western technology. Pakistan may have used J10C and PL-15 beyond visual range (BVR) missiles to force the Indian air force to ground its air assets but the indigenous technology and integration of various systems made the real difference. The Chinese air force chief acknowledged that and according to the official readout he expressed keen interest in learning from Pakistan's experience. A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said during the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics and avenues of enhanced bilateral cooperation, particularly in the domain of airpower and operational synergy were discussed. The air chief extended a gracious welcome to the distinguished guests, reiterating that Pakistan and China enjoy historic and time-tested ties rooted in mutual trust, strategic convergence and shared aspirations for regional peace & stability. Lt-Gen Wang Gang was given a comprehensive briefing on PAF's modern force structure, strategic initiatives and the evolution of its operational doctrine. The chief of the air staff also reaffirmed the strong bond of friendship between the two air forces and reiterated Pakistan Air Force's commitment to expanding cooperation in training, technology and operational domains. General Wang Gang expressed deep appreciation for the high state of operational readiness and the cutting-edge capabilities of Pakistan Air Force. He was particularly impressed by PAF's seamless integration of multi-domain operations, terming it a hallmark of modern air warfare and conveyed PLAAF's keen interest in learning from PAF's battle-proven experience. Lauding the professional acumen and strategic foresight of PAF's leadership, the visiting dignitary paid rich tribute to the exemplary performance of Pakistan Air Force during the recent conflict with India. He praised the decisive and measured response delivered by PAF pilots under the resolute leadership of the Air Chief, describing it as a textbook example of precision, discipline and courage in the face of unprovoked aggression. The meeting stands as a testament to the shared resolve of Pakistan and China to advance their time-tested strategic partnership through deepened cooperation and innovation-driven collaboration.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Yahoo
China's Two-Seat J-20 Stealth Fighter Poised To Enter Operational Service
A flurry of new images showing the two-seat variant of China's J-20 stealth fighter has emerged online. As well as providing new views of the two-seater, which also now wears a darker paint scheme, recent imagery published on Chinese social media reveals the progress being made in other fighter programs, including the J-35 family of carrier-based and land-based stealth fighters. It has been widely assumed that the appearance of the latest imagery of the J-20S is related to this version of the stealth jet having recently entered operational service or being poised to do so. At least one photo that emerged this month has been suggested as being an indication of operational service, with the J-20S aircraft in question wearing national insignia as well as five-digit serials associated with a frontline People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) unit, specifically the 172nd Air Brigade. While the J-20S was officially unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow last year, there are rumors that it might be publicly unveiled as an operational PLAAF asset in September of this year, when the service marks the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II. Rumors that a two-seat version of the J-20 was under development first emerged in early 2018, and the existence of the aircraft was confirmed beyond doubt by October 2021, when a prototype was noted undertaking high-speed taxi tests, as we reported at the time. To accommodate a second crewmember, the J-20's forward fuselage was redesigned. The aircraft also has enlarged tailfins and was powered from the start by locally developed WS-10C turbofan engines. With no equivalent two-seat stealth fighter in any Western inventory, the exact purpose of the J-20 has long been a source of debate. Some early assessments suggested it might be intended for electronic warfare, although this mission set is now very much the realm of the J-16D, a Chinese version of the Sukhoi Flanker multirole fighter. Of course, this could change in the future. Some kind of 'mini airborne command and control aircraft' was also a suggestion for the two-seat J-20S. More recent analysis suggests, which matches TWZ's original analysis, is that at least a significant portion of the stealth jet's mission might be in support of a growing fleet of PLAAF drones. This is a concept we have discussed in the past and which would essentially see the second crewmember control, to varying degrees, 'loyal wingman'-type drones that would accompany crewed J-20s and other aircraft into battle. In this way, the drones could fly deeper into hostile airspace, clearing a way through air defenses, for example, or otherwise supporting the crewed assets. The same concept is apparently already being explored by the PLAAF using modified J-16 fighters. The U.S. is moving full steam ahead with its own Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) loyal wingman drone plans, as well. So far one of the best Images of a PLAAF J-20S — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) July 8, 2025 Since the first flight of the J-20S prototype in November 2021, at least five other prototypes have appeared, the most recent emerging in March of this year. Presuming that the new J-20S imagery shows the jet in its definitive production form, then there are several features that are worthy of note. First, the nosecone has been reprofiled compared with earlier J-20S aircraft. This suggests that it now accommodates the same radar found in the J-20A, the improved single-seat version of the stealth jet. While unconfirmed, there are rumors that the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar in the J-20A could feature gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors. Compared with previous technology, GaN generates less heat and has the capacity to operate at higher voltages, meaning that output power can be increased, while component size can be reduced.威龙系列来源 @铁皮摄影师/wb — Húrin (@Hurin92) July 5, 2025 As well as an apparent new radar, the latest J-20S is fitted with an improved type of electro-optical system below the nose. Very similar to the F-35's Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), this news system offers 360-degree coverage, and may also be of the same variety as fitted in the single-seat J-20A. The J-20's original electro-optical system had a limited field of view and reduced capability set, which you can read about in this past piece of ours. The second picture shows the export – version EOTS – 86 exhibited by China in 2017. Because the military considered that the core of the J – 20 should be focused on air combat, this version of EOTS was abandoned. — Andong (@andong41739) July 6, 2025 Finally, the J-20S now wears a paint camouflage scheme, with most of the airframe painted in a dark-gray finish, close to black. This is absent from the leading and trailing edges of the control surfaces, the intake 'lips,' and the radome. While unconfirmed, this might indicate a new type of radar-absorbent coating to enhance the aircraft's low-observable characteristics. Taken together, these developments indicate that China has been refining the J-20S ahead of its operational service entry and before production ramps up, although it remains to be seen what kind of force mix is planned for the single- and two-seat J-20 versions, let alone the smaller J-35A. As for the J-35, some new imagery has also emerged of the carrier-based version of the jet. In particular, we now have a much better look at the arrester hook that's fitted on the navalized J-35 version, to allow it to make carrier landings. In a recent Chinese TV report, a J-35 can be seen in the back of a construction hall, still wearing primer, with the black-and-white hook extended. If I'm not mistaken then this is the first time we see the tail-hook. — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) July 8, 2025 Meanwhile, recent imagery showing the J-35 in the air reveals the tidy low-observable housing for its arrester hook, which is entirely concealed between the engines when not deployed. This is a bit different arrangement to the F-35C's hook that has a shroud attached to it. While much attention has rightfully been placed on China's sixth-generation jets, two of which are now under test, for the PLAAF, the J-20 remains the most important tactical jet program, while the future of the J-35 is coming clearer into view. At the very least, these latest images reinforce just how central the J-20 remains when it comes to the service's burgeoning ambitions. Contact the author: thomas@
Arab News
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Chinese air chief hails Pakistan's ‘textbook' response in recent India conflict — ISPR
ISLAMABAD: The Chinese air chief has praised Pakistan's military response during its May conflict with India as a 'textbook example' of modern warfare, the Pakistan army said on Tuesday, quoting remarks that come amid renewed Indian allegations of Chinese support to Islamabad during their latest conflict in May. Lt. Gen. Wang Gang, chief of staff of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), made the comments during a high-level visit to Islamabad on Monday, where he met Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and discussed regional security, airpower cooperation, and bilateral military ties. 'He praised the decisive and measured response delivered by PAF pilots under the resolute leadership of the Air Chief, describing it as a textbook example of precision, discipline and courage in the face of unprovoked aggression,' the Pakistani army said in an official statement, quoting Wang. The Chinese general 'paid rich tribute to the exemplary performance' of the PAF during the conflict with India, which took place from May 7 to 10 and involved drones, missiles, and artillery fire before a US-brokered ceasefire ended hostilities. Wang's remarks follow claims by Indian Army Deputy Chief Lt. Gen. Rahul Singh, who last week alleged China had provided Pakistan with 'live inputs' about Indian military positions during the May fighting. Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has rejected the claim as 'factually incorrect' and a 'shoddy attempt' to explain India's battlefield failures. While Beijing has not officially responded to the Indian allegations, the Chinese delegation's strong endorsement of PAF's conduct has added diplomatic weight to its deepening military alignment with Islamabad. 'Lt. Gen. Wang Gang expressed deep appreciation for the high state of operational readiness and the cutting-edge capabilities of Pakistan Air Force,' the official statement said, adding that he was 'particularly impressed by PAF's seamless integration of Multi-Domain Operations, terming it a hallmark of modern air warfare.' The visiting delegation was also given a detailed briefing on the PAF's evolving force structure, modernization plans and strategic initiatives. Air Chief Marshal Sidhu 'reiterated that Pakistan and China enjoy historic and time-tested ties rooted in mutual trust, strategic convergence and shared aspirations for regional peace & stability,' the statement added. Pakistan and China have long collaborated on airpower development, including co-producing the JF-17 fighter jet and holding joint training exercises. But their military alignment has grown closer in recent years, particularly amid rising tensions with India, with whom both have longstanding disputes. The latest visit reinforces that trajectory, military observers say. 'The meeting stands as a testament to the shared resolve of Pakistan and China to advance their time-tested strategic partnership through deepened cooperation and innovation-driven collaboration,' the Pakistani military said. In an address this week, Munir said India had failed to achieve its stated military objectives in 'Operation Sindoor,' New Delhi's campaign during the May conflict. Pakistan said it launched 'Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos' in retaliation for Indian attacks on civilian and military sites. India claimed it had only targeted militant infrastructure. Tensions between the neighbors had escalated into a brief war after an April 2025 militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed several tourists, an incident New Delhi blamed on Pakistan, which Islamabad denied.
