Latest news with #People'sLiberationArmyAirForce
India.com
3 days ago
- Business
- India.com
China's indigenous fighter jet is giving tough competition to US's F-35, its name is.., top features include..
After the collapse of the USSR(Union of Soviet Socialist Republics), the global power balance has been gradually shifting. Russia is not as influential as it once was and cannot compete with the United States in every area. At the same time, China is growing significantly and is seen as a rising global power. Along with its economic growth, China has also made steady progress in modern military technology. In both these areas, China is now becoming a strong competitor to the United States. The role of air forces plays a significant role in today's warfare. Undoubtedly, the U.S. holds the pole position in this regard. Meanwhile, China is making every possible effort to match the global superpower. Recently, the United States announced the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet. Notably, both the U.S. and China possess fifth-generation fighter jets. While the U.S. Air Force is equipped with the F-22 Raptor, China's Air Force also has the Chengdu J-20 fighter jet. Both of these are fifth-generation aircraft. Surprisingly, the Chengdu J-20 has a unique feature that is also found in the Rafale fighter jet. Referred to as 'Mighty Dragon,' China's Chengdu J-20 fighter jet is the first fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. It was developed by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). According to the news 18 Hindi report, the key roles of the J-20 are to establish air superiority and enhance long-range strike capabilities. Furthermore, the aircraft strengthens China's strategic presence in sensitive regions like the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Going by the media reports, a new tailless stealth jet has recently appeared on social media platforms, seen flying alongside the J-20S. This has led to speculation that China may be working on a sixth-generation fighter jet, although there is no official confirmation yet. Speaking of its Stealth Capabilities, the J-20 is designed to evade radar detection, featuring a low radar cross-section and technologies that reduce its infrared signature. Going by the News18 Hindi report, the J-20 is powered by two Shenyang WS-10C turbofan engines, which enable it to reach a maximum speed of Mach 2 and offer an approximate range of 5,500 kilometers. Speaking of its features, the J-20 features a modern digital glass cockpit, equipped with multi-spectral sensors, a helmet-mounted display, and an electro-optical targeting system (EOTS). These systems provide the pilot with 360-degree situational awareness, enhancing combat effectiveness. The J-20 is armed with a range of advanced weapons, including PL-10, PL-12, PL-15, and PL-21 air-to-air missiles, laser-guided bombs, and anti-radiation missiles, making it capable of engaging various threats in the air, reported News18Hindi. The J-20 is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system, a key feature of fifth-generation fighter jets. Notably, the Rafale fighter jet is also believed to use a similar radar system. The United States had strongly criticized the J-20 Mighty Dragon, claiming that China copied American technology to create a duplicate of the F-22 Raptor. This aircraft is known as the J-20 Mighty Dragon.
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Why China's Fighter Jets Should Worry The US And Taiwan: Karishma Vaswani
The recent aerial clash between Pakistan and India offers a glimpse of how China is narrowing the gap in military airpower with the US. It's a warning not just for Washington, but for Taipei, too. Claims from both sides remain contested, but a broader picture is emerging among experts who track China's air force and fighter jet development: Beijing's defense systems are growing increasingly credible. Pakistan said its deployment of Chinese-manufactured J-10C fighters downed multiple Indian aircraft, although New Delhi denies this. There are caveats: Even if Islamabad's claims are accurate, Beijing's equipment doesn't offer a direct comparison to US capabilities. The J-10C isn't a full stealth fighter like the F-22 or F-35, but it does have some features to make it less visible to radar. Still, the incident highlights the significant investments the Communist Party has made in the People's Liberation Army Air Force, and speaks to President Xi Jinping's target for full military modernization by 2027. The use of the J-10C in this regional conflict suggests that goal may be steadily progressing, despite ongoing high-profile graft issues. Several senior military officers have been removed from their posts because of allegations they were involved in corruption. For now, the US is still the world leader, with more military aircraft than Russia, China, India, South Korea and Japan combined, notes FlightGlobal's World Air Forces 2025 report. But much of America's inventory is beyond its prime, filled with decades-old fighters, bombers, and tankers. Meanwhile, the PLA's air force is growing quickly, although it remains far from rivaling the US in overall size. But it is catching up. Washington currently maintains an advantage in fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-22 and F-35, although Beijing is closing the gap there, too. It's reportedly manufacturing more than 100 fifth-generation J-20 fighters annually, and nearly tripling production of other aircraft types, such as the J-10C and J-16, notes the Center for Strategic and International Studies. This is possible because of the PLA's centralized, whole-of-government approach. Taken together, the manufacturing of major combat assets like ships and planes shows a military and industrial base increasingly prepared for conflict with the US, CSIS adds. China is also beginning to match the US when it comes to systems integration, notes Mike Dahm, senior resident fellow for aerospace and China Studies at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. "The US military has excelled at linking different ground, space, and airborne systems together in an effective kill chain," he told me. "I believe the Chinese have now demonstrated that in the India-Pakistan conflict." Geography matters, too, Dahm said. Beijing has the advantage of being in the same neighborhood as the potential wars it might fight. That's not the case for the US, even with its numerous bases in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing's airpower capabilities have been ringing alarm bells in Washington. The latest Pentagon annual China Military Power Report points to a dramatic rise in the PLA's nuclear, space, missile, and aviation capabilities in recent years. China wants to expand its long-range reach beyond the First Island Chain, a virtual line drawn from the islands of Japan, passing the Philippines, and curving at the southern end of the South China Sea between Malaysia and Vietnam, the report notes. The chain is a key aspect of Washington's security architecture in the Indo-Pacific - but crucially, it also encompasses Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own. Xi has vowed that China will unify with the self-ruled island by 2049 - it's a central part of his national rejuvenation plan. But that timeline might change. For the first time in its annual military drills earlier this year, Taiwan's Defense Ministry cited 2027 as a potential year for a Chinese invasion. That would align with Xi's goal of building a modern military by then. US officials have also echoed that view, citing China's rapid buildup of warships, fighter jets and missile stockpiles since 2020. Still, capability doesn't equal intent but China's expanding reach raises the stakes for both the island's defense and American military dominance in the region. Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, said the PLA demonstrated growing capabilities through persistent operations against Taiwan, which escalated by 300% in 2024. Testifying before Congress in April, he also warned they were not merely exercises but "dress rehearsals for forced unification." Taiwan is already reassessing its defense strategy, with purchases of Patriot PAC-3 systems and PAC-3 MSE anti-aircraft missiles capable of intercepting threats. In theory, this will also allow it to detect advanced fighters at higher altitudes. Despite the ongoing gridlock in parliament over the defense budget, Taipei will be under increasing pressure to expand its military spending. Washington should also keep investing in next-generation aircraft technology to stay ahead of Beijing, which is working on a so-called sixth-generation fighter jet of its own. Embracing allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific would also help - a task made more difficult by the White House tone on defense and trade. The India-Pakistan clash was a taste of what China's air force may now be capable of. Washington and Taipei shouldn't wait till the next demonstration.
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Business Standard
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Why China's J-10C fighter jets should be a concern for US and Taiwan
The recent aerial clash between Pakistan and India offers a glimpse of how China is narrowing the gap in military airpower with the US. It's a warning not just for Washington, but for Taipei, too. Claims from both sides remain contested, but a broader picture is emerging among experts who track China's air force and fighter jet development: Beijing's defense systems are growing increasingly credible. Pakistan said its deployment of Chinese-manufactured J-10C fighters downed multiple Indian aircraft, although New Delhi denies this. There are caveats: Even if Islamabad's claims are accurate, Beijing's equipment doesn't offer a direct comparison to US capabilities. The J-10C isn't a full stealth fighter like the F-22 or F-35, but it does have some features to make it less visible to radar. Still, the incident highlights the significant investments the Communist Party has made in the People's Liberation Army Air Force, and speaks to President Xi Jinping's target for full military modernization by 2027. The use of the J-10C in this regional conflict suggests that goal may be steadily progressing, despite ongoing high-profile graft issues. Several senior military officers have been removed from their posts because of allegations they were involved in corruption. For now, the US is still the world leader, with more military aircraft than Russia, China, India, South Korea and Japan combined, notes FlightGlobal's World Air Forces 2025 report. But much of America's inventory is beyond its prime, filled with decades-old fighters, bombers, and tankers. Meanwhile, the PLA's air force is growing quickly, although it remains far from rivaling the US in overall size. But it is catching up. Washington currently maintains an advantage in fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-22 and F-35, although Beijing is closing the gap there, too. It's reportedly manufacturing more than 100 fifth-generation J-20 fighters annually, and nearly tripling production of other aircraft types, such as the J-10C and J-16, notes the Center for Strategic and International Studies. This is possible because of the PLA's centralized, whole-of-government approach. Taken together, the manufacturing of major combat assets like ships and planes shows a military and industrial base increasingly prepared for conflict with the US, CSIS adds. China is also beginning to match the US when it comes to systems integration, notes Mike Dahm, senior resident fellow for aerospace and China Studies at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. 'The US military has excelled at linking different ground, space, and airborne systems together in an effective kill chain,' he told me. 'I believe the Chinese have now demonstrated that in the India-Pakistan conflict.' Geography matters, too, Dahm said. Beijing has the advantage of being in the same neighborhood as the potential wars it might fight. That's not the case for the US, even with its numerous bases in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing's airpower capabilities have been ringing alarm bells in Washington. The latest Pentagon annual China Military Power Report points to a dramatic rise in the PLA's nuclear, space, missile, and aviation capabilities in recent years. China wants to expand its long-range reach beyond the First Island Chain, a virtual line drawn from the islands of Japan, passing the Philippines, and curving at the southern end of the South China Sea between Malaysia and Vietnam, the report notes. The chain is a key aspect of Washington's security architecture in the Indo-Pacific — but crucially, it also encompasses Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own. For the first time in its annual military drills earlier this year, Taiwan's Defense Ministry cited 2027 as a potential year for a Chinese invasion. That would align with Xi's goal of building a modern military by then. US officials have also echoed that view, citing China's rapid buildup of warships, fighter jets and missile stockpiles since 2020. Still, capability doesn't equal intent but China's expanding reach raises the stakes for both the island's defense and American military dominance in the region. Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, said the PLA demonstrated growing capabilities through persistent operations against Taiwan, which escalated by 300% in 2024. Testifying before Congress in April, he also warned they were not merely exercises but 'dress rehearsals for forced unification.' Taiwan is already reassessing its defense strategy, with purchases of Patriot PAC-3 systems and PAC-3 MSE anti-aircraft missiles capable of intercepting threats. In theory, this will also allow it to detect advanced fighters at higher altitudes. Despite the ongoing gridlock in parliament over the defense budget, Taipei will be under increasing pressure to expand its military spending. Washington should also keep investing in next-generation aircraft technology to stay ahead of Beijing, which is working on a so-called sixth-generation fighter jet of its own. Embracing allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific would also help — a task made more difficult by the White House tone on defense and trade. The India-Pakistan clash was a taste of what China's air force may now be capable of. Washington and Taipei shouldn't wait till the next demonstration.
News18
20-05-2025
- Business
- News18
China Boosts Pakistan's Arsenal: Beijing Fast-Tracks J-35A Fighter Jet Delivery, Signals Deepening Defence Ties
Last Updated: Top diplomatic sources confirm that China has offered Pakistan a 50 per cent discount on these fighter jets, along with easy payment options. China is fast-tracking the delivery of its fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, the J-35A, to its long-time strategic partner, Pakistan, as what top diplomatic sources in Beijing and Islamabad have called 'reward" following the India-Pakistan conflict last week. Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif is in China. According to sources, Islamabad is expected to receive the first batch of 30 J-35A jets as early as August 2025. This decision underscores the urgency driving bilateral defence collaboration between the two nations. Top diplomatic sources confirm that China has offered Pakistan a 50 per cent discount on these fighter jets, along with easy payment options. This move is seen as a reward for the Pakistan Air Force's 'performance against India". The initial agreement between the two countries outlined the delivery of the first 30 J-35A aircraft this year, highlighting the importance both nations place on strengthening their defence ties. Reports from late 2024 first unveiled Pakistan's plans to procure 40 J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters, marking the first known export of such advanced military technology by China. The timing of this deal coincides with recent high-profile security visits to Islamabad and Beijing by Chinese and Pakistani officials. These meetings focused on expanding strategic military cooperation amid complex regional security dynamics, including Indian airpower modernisation. Intelligence reports indicate that a cohort of Pakistan Air Force pilots has already been dispatched to the People's Liberation Army Air Force headquarters in Beijing for operational conversion training on the J-35A platform. According to top diplomatic sources, this training serves as tangible proof of Pakistan's progress toward acquiring fifth-generation airpower capabilities. In addition to the fighter jet deal, Chinese authorities have decided to invest $25 billion in Pakistan's civil and military infrastructures. This investment aims to further strengthen the ties between the two countries under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase-2 program. According to top diplomatic sources, Pakistani authorities have assured China of full security support and smoother access to Gwadar Port operations. Overall, the deepening military and economic cooperation between China and Pakistan reflects their commitment to confronting regional security challenges together. This partnership, as confirmed by top diplomatic sources, is expected to have significant implications for the security dynamics in the region. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 20, 2025, 10:46 IST
Scroll.in
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
China rejects claims that it sent military aircraft with arms to Pakistan
The Chinese military on Sunday rejected claims that its largest transport aircraft had delivered weapons to Pakistan amid Islamabad's tensions with New Delhi, PTI reported. The People's Liberation Army Air Force issued a statement denying claims made by social media users that China's Xi'an Y-20 strategic transport aircraft had delivered supplies to Pakistan. The Chinese military claimed that the information was 'false', state-run Global Times reported. It also warned social media users of legal action for spreading false information. 'The internet is not beyond the law,' state-run newspaper China Daily quoted the statement as saying. 'Those who produce and spread military-related rumours will be held legally responsible!' The Chinese Air Force shared screenshots of social media posts making the claim, each marked with the word 'rumour' in red, reported China Daily. The denial by China came a day after India and Pakistan agreed to stop firing after a four-day conflict. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research, China was Pakistan's largest arms supplier between 2020 and 2024, accounting for 81% of the total weapons imports. The procurement included jet fighters, radars, naval ships, submarines and missiles. Pakistan and China jointly produce the JF-17 fighter jet, a key aircraft of the Pakistani Air Force. The tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad escalated on May 7 when the Indian military carried out strikes – codenamed Operation Sindoor – on what it claimed were terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strikes were in response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which killed 26 persons on April 22.
