Latest news with #PLAAF
Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
China denies reports of sending military supplies to Pakistan via cargo plane
The Chinese military on Monday refuted reports claiming its largest military cargo aircraft transported arms to Pakistan, labeling the allegations as false and warning of potential legal action against those disseminating the rumours, reported news agency PTI. In an official statement published on the Chinese Defence Ministry's website, the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) denied that its Xi'an Y-20 transport aircraft had delivered any supplies—military or otherwise—to Pakistan. The PLAAF clarified that recent online claims suggesting the Y-20 was used to carry relief materials to the neighboring country were baseless. The PLAAF posted multiple screenshots of photos and reports that shared this false information, each picture carried a stamp with 'rumour' written in red. "The internet is not beyond the law! Those who produce and spread military-related rumours will be held legally responsible!" the report added. The denial holds significance as the PLA shares close ties with Pakistan. The Chinese state media has also been actively covering the India-Pakistan situation with reportedly echoing some of Pakistan's claims including reports about Indian aircraft being shot down. China was the largest supplier of weapons to Pakistan between 2020 and 2024, providing 81 per cent of the country's arms imports, according to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) cited in the PTI report. The report stated that the supplies included advanced military equipment such as fighter jets, radars, naval vessels, submarines, and missile systems. China and Pakistan also co-produce the JF-17 fighter aircraft, which serves as a key component of the Pakistan Air Force. SIPRI noted the strategic depth of the China-Pakistan defense partnership, which has drawn attention during recent tensions between India and Pakistan. The fact-check comes two days after a ceasefire between India and Pakistan to stop military action on land, sea and in the air. Tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following India's recent military action, Operation Sindoor. The operation was launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. As part of the operation, Indian forces carried out precision strikes on nine locations identified as terrorist infrastructure. The targeted sites included militant camps in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahawalpur, located in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
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First Post
28-04-2025
- Politics
- First Post
China delivers PL-15 missiles to Pakistan amid tensions with India: Should New Delhi be worried?
Tensions between India and Pakistan are running high in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Amid fears of a military escalation, Pakistan Air Force has received express deliveries of China's advanced PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles. But how deadly are these weapons? read more The PL-15 air-to-air missile on a J-20 Stealth fighter. It is reported that China has delivered these long-range missiles to Islamabad amid rising tensions with India. Image Courtesy: X Tensions between India and Pakistan, the two nuclear-armed countries, are on the boil after the Pahalgam terror attack last Tuesday (April 22). Following New Delhi's punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and revoking visas of all Pakistanis, officials from Islamabad have been issuing multiple threats of decisive action. For instance, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that any attack by India could trigger an 'all-out war' between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. This was followed up by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari claiming that if the flow of the Indus water is stopped, 'Indian blood will flow' instead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On Sunday (April 27), Pakistan Minister Hanif Abbasi said that Pakistan's arsenal — including Ghori, Shaheen, and Ghaznavi missiles along with 130 nuclear warheads — has been kept 'only for India'. Now, amid these threats and ultimatums, there are reports emerging that the Pakistan Air Force has received a shipment of China's advanced PL-15 air-to-air missiles. What does it mean for India though? We get you the answers. China's delivery of PL-15 missiles to Pakistan According to recent news reports, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has released images of JF-17 Block III fighter jets armed with China's PL-15 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-air missiles. The images indicate that China made an express delivery of the missiles at a time when tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi are heightened. As per a report by Eurasian Times, the missiles delivered to PAF were sourced directly from China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), and not the export model known as PL-15E. According to a post published by STRATCOM Bureau, China made an urgent delivery of PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles to Pakistan for its JF-17 fighter jets. The social media post also praised China as a 'gold standard' ally, highlighting the speed and strategic weight of the move. The image shared by Pakistani Air Force showcasing the JF-17C jets equipped with PL-15 missiles for the first time. Image Courtesy: X China's PL-15 missiles, explained But what's the big deal about these PL-15 missiles? Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), a state-run aerospace company, PL-15s are active radar-guided, long-range air-to-air missiles. The development of this missile likely began in 2011 and was first tested the following year — 2012. Some reports state that the PL-15 likely entered PLAAF service in 2018. This missile uses a dual-pulsed solid-propellant rocket and has an AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar. The AESA radar is combined with a two-way datalink, enabling precise targeting and mid-course corrections, making it a highly versatile weapon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reports state that the operational range of the PL-15 missiles is 200-300 kilometres and it can travel at speeds of Mach 5. The PL-15 missiles are already integrated into China's Chengdu J-20, J-10C, and Shenyang J-16. According to defence experts, the weapon is a pacing threat to Western equivalents like the US AIM-120D AMRAAM and the European MBDA Meteor, known for its ramjet propulsion and large no-escape zone. In terms of range, Meteor is comparable to the export variants of the PL-15. However, the standard PL-15 is claimed to have a longer range than the Meteor. Once developed, China quickly began to shop the missile to other countries with Pakistan becoming the first export customer for the PL-15E as part of the JF-17 Batch III. Many note that China's delivery of the PL-15 missile will give Islamabad a huge advantage in case of a military escalation between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. The missile's long-range capabilities is a looming threat for India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Close-up of a J-20 fighter carrying four inert PL-15 in its main ventral bays. Image Courtesy: Rising tensions between India and Pakistan Following the Pahalgam terror attack, there are rising fears that India and Pakistan are hurtling towards a military escalation, which would have ramifications for the world. In the aftermath of the attack, New Delhi has implemented a series of measures punishing Pakistan for what it states is its 'continued support for cross-border terrorism'. One of the measures is the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The Narendra Modi administration has also revoked visas, including medical visas, for all Pakistanis, prompting an exodus. On Sunday, the Indian Navy also test-fired missiles, showcasing its ability to carry out 'long-range, precision offensive' strikes. 'Indian Navy ships undertook successful multiple anti-ship firings to re-validate and demonstrate readiness of platforms, systems, and crew for long-range precision offensive strike,' the Navy posted on X, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promised a 'harsh response' to the Pahalgam terror attack. Protesters burn Pakistan's national flag in Guwahati to condemn the killing of tourists by terrorists in Kashmir's Pahalgam. AFP Amidst this situation, Pakistani troops have been resorting to unprovoked firing at the Line of Control for the past four days consecutively. In the wee hours of April 28, Pakistan initiated unprovoked small arms fire across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara and Poonch districts. Notably, this was the first time that the Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire in the Poonch sector. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But despite tensions rising, most analysts believe that a full-blown war between India and Pakistan is unlikely. They note that there's a high probability that New Delhi could carry out a limited military action — perhaps a combination of ground and air strikes against terrorist targets in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. It is a wait-and-watch game as of now. As General Deependra Singh Hooda (retired) told The Economist, 'Revenge is best served cold.' In the meantime, the United States has urged both countries to work towards a 'responsible solution'. In an emailed statement to Reuters, a US State Department spokesperson said, 'This is an evolving situation and we are monitoring developments closely. We have been in touch with the governments of India and Pakistan at multiple levels.' With inputs from agencies
India.com
26-04-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Top 7 countries with most powerful aircraft fleets, India is at..., has military aircrafts over...., Pakistan ranks...
Air forces play a key role in every country's defense strategy. In 2025, the size, strength, and modernization of a nation's military aircraft fleet are major factors in deciding its global military power. A strong air force helps a country protect its interests, project strength, and maintain peace both regionally and internationally. Today, military air fleets are more active and advanced than ever, with countries around the world heavily investing in upgrading their air power. The United States remains the leader with the largest and most advanced air fleet, but nations like Russia, China, and India are quickly strengthening and modernizing their forces, aiming to close the gap. Countries with the Most Powerful Military Aircraft Fleets (2025) According to Global Firepower 2025, a few countries clearly lead the world in air power based on the size of their fleets, technology upgrades, and overall effectiveness of their air forces. Here's a look at the top seven nations with the strongest military aircraft fleets: 1. United States – 13,043 Aircraft: The United States easily holds the top spot with more than 13,000 military aircraft. This massive fleet includes everything from fighter jets and bombers to transport planes and surveillance aircraft. The U.S. Air Force is the most technologically advanced in the world, fully prepared for any combat mission, making it the most powerful air force globally. 2. Russia – 4,292 Aircraft: Russia comes second with a fleet of over 4,200 aircraft. Though much smaller than the U.S. arsenal, Russia's air force still boasts a large number of modern fighter jets and long-range bombers. It plays a crucial role in both defending Russian airspace and projecting power in different regions of the world. 3. China – 3,309 Aircraft: China's air power is growing quickly. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is focusing on upgrading its fleet with advanced fighter jets, bombers, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). China's expanding air strength is helping it secure regional dominance and extend its military presence globally. 4. India – 2,229 Aircraft: India ranks fourth, with a fleet of more than 2,200 military aircraft. The Indian Air Force is continuously improving by adding modern fighter planes, transport aircraft, and air defense systems. Strong air power is critical for India, especially considering its tense relations with neighboring countries. 5. South Korea – 1,592 Aircraft: South Korea operates around 1,600 military aircraft. Focused heavily on air defense, South Korea maintains a highly capable fleet to counter potential threats, particularly from North Korea. Investment in modern aircraft and defense technologies keeps South Korea's air force well-prepared and competitive. Japan – 1,443 Aircraft: Japan owns a fleet of over 1,400 aircraft, making it the sixth-strongest air force. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force features advanced fighter jets and surveillance planes. Japan's air power not only ensures its own security but also supports its partnership with the United States in maintaining peace across the Asia-Pacific region. Pakistan – 1,399 Aircraft: Pakistan follows closely with nearly 1,400 military aircraft. The Pakistan Air Force is built to defend its airspace and serve as a strong deterrent, particularly in its ongoing rivalry with India. The country maintains a versatile and alert fleet capable of handling both defensive and offensive missions.
Asia Times
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Asia Times
Jet by jet, US losing Pacific air superiority over China
China is racing to shatter US air dominance in the Pacific—one stealth jet, long-range missile and cratered runway at a time. This month, a top US official stated that China is rapidly building its capacity to challenge US air superiority in the Pacific, particularly within the strategically vital First Island Chain. Testifying before the US Senate Armed Services Committee, Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), warned that the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), with an order of battle of 2,100 fighters and over 200 H-6 bombers, is outproducing the US in fighter aircraft at a ratio of 1.2 to 1. Paparo credited China with 'high marks' for its ability to deny US air superiority along the First Island Chain, citing its fast-growing fighter fleet, advanced long-range air-to-air missiles and sweeping modernization across all warfighting domains. Holding air superiority along the First Island Chain, which stretches from Japan to the Philippines, is essential for the US to operate and support allies like Taiwan. Paparo stressed that air supremacy—total control of the air—will not be enjoyed by either side, but warned that without credible investment in long-range fires, integrated air and missile defenses, and advanced command and control systems, the US risks falling behind. 'Ceding air superiority is not an option,' he cautioned. Seth Jones and Alexander Palmer mention in a March 2024 report for the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) that while China's fighter production capacity is impressive, it is still behind the US in aircraft numbers, with the US maintaining an advantage in fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-22 and F-35 in particular. However, Jones and Palmer point out that China is closing the production gap with the US. They note China is reportedly producing 100 fifth-generation J-20 fighters annually and tripling the production of other aircraft types, such as the J-10C and J-16, suggesting a high production rate. Jones and Palmer attribute China's high fighter output to its centralized, whole-of-government approach to defense production. In terms of long-range air-to-air missiles, Tyler Rogoway mentions in a December 2023 article for The War Zone (TWZ) that China's new PL-17 is most likely a very long-range air-to-air missile with an estimated 300-kilometer range. Rogoway notes that the PL-17 may be intended against airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, other aircraft close to the target, ground-based radar or satellites. He mentions that the size of the PL-17 may restrict it to being carried externally by China's J-16 or J-20 fighters. As for China's rapid airpower growth, the US Department of Defense's (DOD) 2024 China Military Power Report (CMPR) states that the PLAAF and PLA Naval Aviation comprise the Indo-Pacific's largest air force, with 3,150 aircraft—1,900 of them fighters—an increase of 400 in the last three years, per Aquilino. Aquilino warns that if trends persist, China could soon overtake the US in total airpower, complementing its dominance on land and sea. Given China's looming quantitative fighter advantage, Matthew Revels mentions in an April 2023 Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs article that in an invasion of Taiwan, the PLA would likely mass air assets over the self-governing island to achieve localized, tactical air superiority instead of fighting to achieve strategic air dominance. Beyond sheer fighter numbers, China's missile capabilities pose an even greater threat to US air operations in the region. Eamon Passey mentions in a December 2024 article for the American Foreign Policy Council that when it comes to conventional missiles, the PLA Rocket Force (PLARF) has a significant hardware advantage over the US. Passey notes China has developed an extensive array of ballistic and cruise missiles that are oftentimes more numerous and sophisticated than their US counterparts. He says that while the US invests in hypersonic weapons technology, it lags behind China in development and deployment due to high costs and the complexity of integrating those weapons into its military framework. Passey observes that China can make substantial investments in its missile capabilities mainly due to the absence of constraining arms control treaties. He also points out that the PLARF manages an autonomous, intensely focused and extensive missile program that has quickly developed to unite nuclear and conventional capabilities under a single command structure. The PLARF is critical in China's counter-intervention strategy in regional conflicts. Christopher Mihal mentions in a 2021 Military Review article that China, as of that year, has 2,200 conventional ballistic missiles and enough anti-ship missiles to attack every US surface combatant in the South China Sea, with sufficient firepower to overcome each ship's missile defenses. Further, Kelly Grieco and other writers mention in a December 2024 Stimson Center report that the PLARF is expected to play a leading role in neutralizing US airbases in Japan, Guam, and other Pacific locations, launching coordinated missile attacks to destroy US aircraft on the ground and cratering runways to make them unusable. These missile capabilities threaten the US's forward-deployed airpower, which remains highly vulnerable due to inadequate base fortifications, Greico writes. Thomas Shugart III and Timothy Walton mention in a January 2025 Hudson Institute report that in a worst-case scenario, most US aircraft losses will occur on the ground, as its Pacific airbases lack hardened aircraft shelters (HAS) and individual aircraft shelters (IAS). They mention that US operational concepts have assumed mainly that its aircraft would operate from forward airfields uncontested and that minor threats to those facilities would abate with the cessation of hostilities. They say that thinking disregards China's growing ability to strike those vulnerable facilities with missiles, aircraft and special forces. Shugart and Walton say China has enough firepower to make dispersal alone an ineffective countermeasure. These shortcomings could prove catastrophic in the event of a Chinese assault on Taiwan, where a rapid US response would be critical to deterrence and defense. Timothy Heath and other writers mention in a June 2023 RAND report that Taiwan is vulnerable to defeat in the first 90 days after an invasion, with that time being the minimum required for the US to marshal enough forces for military intervention. In contrast, Bonny Lin and other writers mention in an August 2024 CSIS report that China can sustain major combat operations against Taiwan for six months as part of a larger blockade, with PLAAF and PLARF strikes aiming to neutralize the latter's naval bases, coastal and air defense batteries and command and control with the option of unleashing more missile and air attacks should Taiwan continue to resist. Lin and others say those intensified attacks also aim to prevent Taiwan from reconstituting damaged equipment and deploying additional weapons systems. If the US doesn't act fast, the next battle for air superiority could be over before its aircraft even get off the ground.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
China Deploys J-10 Fighters To Egypt
In another sign of China's growing interest in the Middle East and Africa, the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has sent multiple combat aircraft to Wadi Abu Rish Air Base for 'Eagles of Civilization 2025,' its first aerial training exercise with Egypt. The PLAAF deployed a Y-20U aerial refueling tanker, a KJ-500 AWACS aircraft, and J-10B/C fighters from the 18th Air Brigade the 177th Air Brigade, according to the China 3 Army Telegram channel. Egypt is flying its MiG-29M/M2 Fulcrum multirole fighters in the drills. All this is taking place against the backdrop of conflicting claims about Cairo purchasing J-10Cs and America's gaze turning away from Africa. The exercise kicked off on Sunday and runs through the middle of May. It 'aims to enhance the technical and tactical levels of the participating troops on both sides and is of great significance to promoting pragmatic cooperation and enhancing mutual trust and friendship between the two armies,' according to the official Chinese CCTV media outlet. The 1st training day of the "Eagle of Civilization 2025" China & Egypt joint training began on April 19, PLAAF training group consisted of J-10C/S fighters, a KJ-500 AWACS a/c, YY-20A tanker and helio. — dafeng cao (@dafengcao) April 20, 2025 The exercise, being staged at a base about 60 miles west of the Gulf of Suez, will allow Egypt to work with one of China's top airborne early warning and control platforms, its primary medium-weight, multi-role fighter and its relatively new refueler. Moving all these planes, support equipment and troops from China also demonstrates Beijing's growing global air mobility capabilities. 'The air unit has adopted a mixed force formation that combines air transfer and aerial transportation, which ensured full deployment of all personnel and equipment by Tuesday after they completed a journey of nearly 6,000 kilometers (about 3,700 miles),' according to CCTV. In addition, it has been suggested that China can use the exercise to train against relatively modern MiG-29s, a type that remains a primary fighter for the Indian Air Force and Navy. Nice photos coming out of the joint Egyptian Air Force and PLAAF Egyptian MiG-29M/M2 share many similarities with the Indian Air Force & Indian Navy's MiG-29UPG & MiG-29K such as the same avionics is a good chance for the PLAAF to gain data and… — SomePLAOSINT (@someplaosint) April 20, 2025 On the larger geopolitical elements of this exercise, Eagles of Civilization 2025 gives China an inroad into a key U.S. Middle East ally at a time of increasing regional tensions and rising questions about U.S. reliability as a primary security partner. Egypt, which received nearly $1.5 billion in U.S. military aid last year, is caught between wanting to continue that support and opposing calls by the Trump administration to deport residents of Gaza, where Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a brutal war since Oct. 7, 2023. Cairo has been a key player in trying to end that conflict, helping to negotiate a ceasefire that has since collapsed. With the real possibility of drastic foreign aid cuts to beneficiaries like Egypt, Cairo could see Beijing as an alternative to Washington's largesse and resulting attached strings. A former commander of U.S. Central Command gave us his thoughts on the situation. 'I don't know that this exercise portends any significant direct risk for us – but it is a reminder that our partners (in this case Egypt) have choices as well,' retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, now a Distinguished Military Fellow at the Middle East Institute, told us Monday morning. 'Clearly, China is trying to grow influence with countries in the region who also have well-established ties to the U.S. so that they are viewed more positively. This is linked to a desire to be seen as an alternative military equipment supplier to Egypt and other countries in the region. To this end, China will portray themselves as a more timely and effective supplier – and partner – than the United States.' This fits in with a larger Chinese pattern of weaving its way into the lucrative Middle Eastern arms market. Chinese weapons sales to the Middle East jumped by 80% in the last decade, military strategist Peter Singer noted in a recent op-ed in Defense One. China is possibly selling fighter aircraft to Iran, 'paying via oil and natural gas exchange,' Singer explained, adding that Saudi Arabia is reportedly in talks to purchase drones and other equipment. Meanwhile, there are conflicting claims about a possible Egyptian purchase of China's J-10C multirole fighters. These rumors have included erroneous reports of deliveries. In February, the Daily News Egypt reported that the first batch of J-10Cs arrived. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian quickly denied that. Still, talk of a possible deal for the jets continues. Egypt operates one of the world's largest fleets of U.S.-made F-16 Vipers, but they have been seeking alternatives, even if just for leverage to receive additional and more advanced hardware from the United States. Regardless, Egypt has always flown mixed fighter fleets. Hence the advanced MiG-29s. There was also the saga with sale of advanced Russian Flankers to Egypt that never went through, as well. Still, Egypt could have interest in other aircraft, including China's increasingly diverse and capable airborne early warning aircraft, one of which is also in-country for the exercise. The Y-20 tanker-transport could also be of interest. China's arms dealing is more than just about gaining an economic benefit. 'Arms exports are given to one side in a conflict not only to provide diplomatic support but also to clarify the exporting country's sense of presence and influence the conflict resolution process,' Han Jie, a representative from the Chinese weapons manufacturer China North Industries Group Corporation, posited. China is reportedly inserting itself into the ongoing U.S. fight with the Houthis. For more than a month, the U.S. has been bombing Iranian-backed Houthi rebel targets in Yemen. U.S. intelligence officials have accused Beijing of providing the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels of Yemen 'with imagery to target U.S. warships and international vessels in the Red Sea,' Financial Times reported last week. China, as we have previously noted, already maintains a major presence in the area, with a large and complex base in the East African nation of Djibouti, on the Red Sea. This facility has given China a continuous presence in the Gulf of Aden since 2008. China has a huge stake in this region. As a major importer of oil, the Strait of Hormuz is a notorious choke point and any conflict involving Iran always involves a threat that Tehran will close off the of acute concern because U.S. President Donald Trump has given Tehran until the middle of next month to agree to a deal on its nuclear program or face a possible kinetic response. But even more pressing is the bigger picture on the African continent, where China's arms sales, and especially its economic influence, are growing at an accelerating rate. This is taking place as the White House is pulling back from Africa in a number of ways, including militarily. The Trump administration is now considering making U.S. Africa Command a subordinate of U.S. European Command, as one clear sign of its pivot away from the continent. China is seeking to fill any vacuum left by Washington, and any increase in influence in Egypt, which possesses Africa's most powerful military, could go a long way toward that objective. Contact the author: howard@
