Update on the J-11B Project.

Recently surfaced photos indicate that the WS-10A turbofan engine is now operational with the J-11B heavy fighter.According to the PLAAF 60th Anniversary Warplane Show, the J-11B conducted its maiden flight on December 2003 and entered service with the 1st PLAAF Fighter Division on December 2007. The initial batch of the J-11B was powered by the imported Russian AL-31F turbofans engine instead

Talks of a PLAN Overseas Naval Base.

As posted on the Chinese defense ministry website, the Chinese PLAN is floating the idea of an overseas naval base to support its anti-pirate mission in the Gulf of Aden. The lack of an overseas naval base caused hardships and supply problems during the PLAN’s first anti-pirate tour where the Chinese flotilla made no port call in over four months.While the English report did not specify where

Did the PLA find its Diego Rivera?

Or is this just another Dafen knockoff.

China to launch Chang'e-2 lunar satellite

China to launch Chang'e-2 lunar satellite2009-12-28 16:43 BJT http://english.cctv.com/program/cctvnews/20091228/103414.shtmlChina will launch its second lunar satellite, Chang'e-2, at the end of 2010. This was announced on Monday by the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence."Chang'e" is named after a legendary Chinese moon goddess. The Chang'e-2 will test key soft

The PLA JANUS*?

PLA's Tactical Command and Control Simulation Training System (TCCST) is being shown for the first time by the CCTV. The TCCST is being used by the 6th Armor Division, 38th Group Army, Beijing MR at the "Blue Army" Combined Arms Tactical Training Base at Zhurihe for online war-game against the bad guy. For years the PLA has placed great emphasis on simulation and online war-game to enhance

Update on the cargo ship De Xin Hai hijacked by the Somali pirates

I posted the following back in Oct 10, 2009 (here) and looks like they have agreed to the four million USD ransom demand. The crew will be home by Chinese New Year and that is worth celebrating.Millions of Chinese are now glued to their flat panels wondering how the high seas drama is going to play out. How will China apply its military might in a MOOTW (Military Operation Other Than War)?

Mobile Air Defense On-The-Cheap

Prior to the introduction of the PGZ95 self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery (SPAAA), this Type 63 APC ad hoc modification was the only opinion for PLA's mobile armor columns. Even today, this type of "mobile air defense on-the-cheap" can still be found on some low readiness units. Can't imagine the twin 25mm AAA/HN-5 MANPAD mount would be effective in a modern battlefield.

China accomplishes survey and mapping of Qinghai-Tibet Railway with high-precision

Consider how important the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to the Chinese government, there is no way they would allow a foreign company to conduct the survey, not matter the cost. CCTV has a different take on this news, it stated that the survey is for the entire Tibet region not just the railway. China accomplishes survey and mapping of Qinghai-Tibet Railway with high-precision(Source: PLA Daily)

Han class SSN (Type 091) Photos.

Since the Han class nuclear-powered attack submarine is no-longer state-of-the-art, the PLAN is publishing more photos of it in outlets such as the "Naval and Merchant Ship" magazine.

"Commercialization" of the FC-1 Fighter.

As reported by today's People's Daily, the FC-1 Xiaolong fighter program is moving forward to future expansion at home and abroad. At the same time, the FC-1/J-10 lost to the Russian Mig-29 for the Myanmar (Burma) fighter deal.The irony is that with 20 20-million euro Migs to Burma and 10 free Migs to Lebanon the Russians are undercutting the Chinese. How the world has changed! Just like "The

Indonesia to equip navy with Chinese-made missiles

This is not news per se, as two sets of YJ-82 (C-802) were installed on two Indonesian PB-57 patrol boat back in March 2008 in a 11 USD million deal. According to the Indonesian navy, the cost of the C-802 is less than half of the French MM40 Exocet Block II.RI warships to be equipped with Chinese-made missileshttp://www.antara.co.id/en/news/1261395950/

YJ-82 (C-802) SSM upgrade for the Royal Thai Navy.

Four modified Jianghui III class FFG were sold to the Royal Thailand Navy during the 1990s at a "friendship price". However, those four FFGs have to be refitted in Thailand before joining the fleet because of the poor construction quality.The decision to upgrade the Jianghui class by the Thai navy after almost 20 years of service suggests that the initial quality issue has long been corrected.

DDG112 undergoes a major refit in Shanghai.

Just 10 years ago, the Type 052 Luhu-class DDG was considered to be the most modern destroyer in the PLAN inventory. How time flies.Its H/PJ76A dual 37 mm AA guns have been removed.

J-7 plays with F-22 of the USAF 27th Fighter Squadron

They are worry about the "China threat" so.... lets put up a F-22 and see how well it can handle a J-7.F-22 Raptors return from training in Middle EastPosted to: Hampton Militaryhttp://hamptonroads.com/2009/12/f22-raptors-return-training-middle-eastBy Corinne ReillyThe Virginian-Pilot© December 21, 2009HAMPTONSix F-22 Raptor pilots returned Wednesday to Langley Air Force Base from a five-week

UWSA reinforces army with retired personnel

In light of the military action against the Kokang back on October 2009, the Burma's Wa Army determines to keep its military and gearing up for a fight. The recent negotiation to "integrate" the United Wa State Army (WUSA) into the government controlled "Border Guard Force" has yield very little. The WUSA simply does not trust the Burmese government. UWSA reinforces army with retired

Eighteen Z-8F 13-Ton class Helicopters ordered by the PAP

The newly ordered Z-8Fs will serve under the PAP Forest Headquarter at Daqing (here).The Z-8F is an improved civilian variant of the standard PLAN naval transport helicopter which has been in service since the late 1980s. Improvements over the standard Z-8 model include three Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B turboshaft engines (rearward-canted exhausts), new composite rotor blades (with optional

Stupid PLA PR

You just can't march an army without rhetoric

Defense Minister Liang meets Pakistan Chief.

Rumors persist of a possible package of four Type 054A FFGs to Pakistan (here) in addition to the current four F22P "sword class" FFG deal. An injection of four Type 054A frigates with medium-range HQ-16 VLS SAMs would be a considerable upgrade for the Pakistan navy -- for the first time, it could provide an Area-Air-Defense umbrella for its task force. Other than the Type 053H3 "Jiangwei"

Update on the Sino-Thailand "Cobra Gold" Military Exercise.

The Sino-Thailand "Cobra Gold" initiative was first reported by Robert Karniol back in February 2009. It was "officially" proposed to the Thai military last month during Defense Minister Liang Guanglie's visit.According to the latest news, China has offered to pay for all of the proposed military exercises (here) It would be a diplomatic coup if China manages to conduct this exercise with

EC175/Z-15 performes its maiden flight.

Eurocopter celebrates the maiden flight of its new EC175 helicopterhttp://www.rotor.com/Default.aspx?tabid=510&newsid905=62778The EC175, the latest member of the Eurocopter range, today performed its official maiden flight in the skies above Marignane. At the controls were Alain Di Bianca, Eurocopter Experimental Test Pilot, as well as Michel Oswald and Patrick Bremont, Flight Test Engineers.

Russian-made frigate Gepard 3.9 built under order of Vietnamese Navy was launched in Tatarstan

Photos of the first of the two Gepard class frigates ordered by the Vietnam People's Navy.Together with the recently ordered six Kilo submarines and the navalized Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighter-bombers, the Gepard deal is seen as an component of the current navy modernization drive.Russian shipyard built frigate for Vietnamhttp://rusnavy.com/news/navy/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=827414.12.2009Russian-made

Update on the Mi-171 helicopter joint venture.

1st pair of the domestically assembled Mi 171 helicopters delivered to Qingdao Helicopter Aviation Company today.China starts producing Russian Mi-171 helicopters - paper10:57 12/05/2008http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080512/107127123.htmlMOSCOW, May 12 (RIA Novosti) - A manufacturing plant in southwest China has started to assemble Russian-designed Mi-171 transport helicopters, one of Russia's key

A New PLA Buzzword – "Basic Campaign Corps"

Traditionally, the PLA Group Army operates as a single unit under a single chain of command but the CMC is moving the PLA out of that model. The new Basic Campaign Corps (BCC) standardization (as it is presented) allows for cross-sections from different regions and other service arms to be re-tasked as needed at the campaign level.The concept seems basic but for a huge army rich in tradition,

Put up a mast for Christmas.

A radar mast has been constructed on the aircraft carrier Varyag according to latest photos taken from Dalian. Simultaneously, the same mast can also been seen at an "office building" in Wuhan housing the Type 381 3D "Top Plate" search radar.(here) Makes you wonder what type of Christmas ornaments they will put up this year, doesn't it?DalianA white Christmas in Wuhan, let it snow, let it snow.

Next Stop, Ecuador

Together with Bolivia and Peru, China has reached another arms agreement (and another PLAN goodwill visit) with a South American nation, Ecuador.Details of this 52 million USD credit, out of the package of 442 million, is still largely unknown. Some has suggested that it is geared for four civilian MA60 transports instead of warplanes. Previously, China has been reluctant to push too hard into

China to launch Yaogan 8 in coming days.

5 days after launching the Yaogan 7 spy satellite into space, China is set to launch Yaogon 8 in coming days. China to launch "Yaogan VIII" remote-sensing satellitewww.chinaview.cn 2009-12-13 20:55:53http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-12/13/content_12641524.htmTAIYUAN, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- China will launch a remote-sensing satellite, " Yaogan VIII" in the coming days from the Taiyuan

Wakhan Corridor -- China's back door to Afghanistan

Back in June 2009, China mulled the request to open the Wakhan Corridor to serve as an alternative supply route to help forces battling the Taliban. At the same time, the latest Google Earth images show this new road, supply depots, and constructed guard posts. This corridor has been closed for over 100 years and was considered inaccessible as recent as 2007. The decision to now open the

China to loan $40 Million to the Bolivian Army.

After securing a 57.8 million dollars deal to sell six K-8 jet trainers to the Bolivian air force in October 2009 (here) , China has agreed to another 40 million dollar loan to the Bolivian engineering battalions.The original news article in Spanish.China financiará con 40 millones de dólares equipos para el Ejército bolivianohttp://www.google.com/hostednews/epa/article/

2nd DongDiao Class

The 2nd DongDiao class AGM/AGI was launched on December 10th, 2009 in Shanghai. It was designed by the No 708 design institute, the same institute that designed the YuanWang class space tracking ships, and constructed by the Shipyard 424 of the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group.This 4600 ton (6000 ton maximum capacity) intelligence gathering ship is based on the smaller Daxin class training

Troop-rotation completed in Tibet.

Chengdu Military Region completed its annual troop rotation on December 7. Starting in November 26, the logistics department of the Chengdu military region airlifted troops in-and-out of Tibet and Yunan from 9 airports utilizing 8 transport routes in Chengdu, Lhasa, Qamdo, Nyingchi and Kunming. November is the time when decommissioned troops are sent back home and replaced with new

Chinese rocket launches with top secret spy satellite

Chinese rocket launches with top secret spy satelliteBY STEPHEN CLARKSPACEFLIGHT NOWPosted: December 9, 2009http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n0912/09longmarch/A Chinese remote sensing mission, believed to be a military reconnaissance satellite, lifted off from a desert launch pad on a Long March rocket on Wednesday, state media reported.The Long March 2D rocket blasted off at 0842 GMT (3:42 a.m

Peru's military is close to a deal to buy tanks from China

LIMA, Peru — Peru's military is close to a deal to buy tanks from China, the defense minister said Tuesday.http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/latinamerica/6760527.htmlRafael Rey told The Associated Press that the army is testing MBT-2000 tanks brought from China, but wants a better-equipped model of the tank. Peru showed the tanks in a parade on Tuesday.Rey didn't say how many tanks Peru

FFG 536 "Wuhu" returns to port after its patrol in the South China Sea.

According to the PLA daily (Dec 7th, 2009), (here) the missile frigate FFG 536 "Wuhu", 14th Frigate Squadron, 1st Destroyer Flotilla, North Sea Fleet, returned to port after more than 70 days as a "Combat Ready" patrol in the South China Sea. This is news-worthy for two reasons: The Jianghu class has an impressive on-station time for a 2400 ton class frigate and it serves as evidence that the

The Next Generation of Chinese MBT

Just saw this from today's PLA daily.Next generation of Chinese tanks will possess all-dimensional attack capabilityhttp://eng.chinamil.com.cn/news-channels/china-military-news/2009-12/08/content_4092001.htm(Source: www.people.com) 2009-12-08　　“China will produce the next generation of main battle tank which is able to launch all-dimensional attacks and conduct all-directional self-protection

CJ-10K/DH-10 Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) revealed.

Thus far, the PLA has converted all their Surface-to-Surface Missile families into air launched variants to be carried by its fighter-bomber/bomber fleet, ranging from the old C-201 to the newer YJ91. The CJ-10/DH-10 Ground Launched Cruise Missiles, displayed at the 60th National Day Parade, underwent similar conversions.This is significant due to its extended range. The CJ-10K ALCM can have

Latest from Holmes and Yoshihara

Enjoy.Mahan's Lingering GhostBy James R. Holmes and Toshi Yoshiharahttp://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/index.asp Alfred Thayer Mahan remains as relevant today in his logic and operational grammar as he was in the 19th century with his doctrines of capital ship and major fleet action.The future of American sea power turns on the U.S. Navy's ability to preserve ready access to East Asia, one

Recruitment media, ROC style.

Sino-Nepal relations

In juxtaposition for influence, the Chinese government is offering security aid and financial assistance to Nepal.Nepal is home to 20,000 Tibetan exiles and the "Tibet issue" is calculated heavily into the Sino-Nepal relations. The Chinese is thankful for Nepal's role in breaking down the pro-Tibetan activities at its territory, especially during the aftermath of the March 2008 riot. (here)

PLA military exercises in 2009

PLA military exercises in 2009 as reported by the PLAdaily.http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/news-channels/china-military-news/2009-12/02/content_4088779.htm From the military exercises of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) which frequently appeared in the coverage in 2009, people can see the development trend of the PLA: the military training is developing towards the training under real-war

Here Comes The Rain Again

During the 2008 Summer Olympic, China has received much coverage in the international press for its weather modification attempts. The Chinese government did not started the weather modification program due to the Olympic over night, the program started back in 1958 and it is being run by the Weather Modification Department, a division of the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences and the

FACC acquired by Chinese aircraft company

The Chinese make no secret about their ambition as a major player in the large aviation transport sector and they are pulling out all the stops to make that a success by recruiting foreign execs and acquiring foreign companies.Foreign acquisitions such as the FACC deal would provide them a boost as they still lack expertise in many areas. A successful merger between a Western style enterprise

Photos of the Yong Xing Island

YongXiang island 永兴岛 (woody island) is the main island of the Xisha islands (Paracel islands) in the South China Sea. It is approximately 2.1 square kilometers in size.It is home to the PLAN Marine Xisha Island Garrison (battalion size) and a civilian emergency rescue center. It has an artificial harbor that can accommodate ships up to 5000 tone and a modern 2350 meters runway that can support

Can China Deliver in Pakistan?

Here is an interesting OpEd by Michael Kugelman, what do you think?Can China Deliver in Pakistan?http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/article.aspx?id=4733Michael Kugelman | 02 Dec 2009The success or failure of President Barack Obama's new Afghanistan strategy will depend on numerous international factors, from the contributions of Washington's NATO allies to the performance of Afghanistan's

Chinese navy ships to participate in Sino-Vietnamese joint patrol in Beibu Gulf

Chinese navy ships to participate in Sino-Vietnamese joint patrol in Beibu Gulf(Source: PLA Daily) 2009-12-02 At 16:00 on December 1, headed by Senior Captain Zhang Leyi, deputy commander of the Support Base of the South China Sea Fleet (SCSF) of the Navy of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, the Chinese Navy’s guided missile gunboats “Chenghai” and “Chaoyang” departed from a military port

trans-Military-Area-Command (trans-MAC)

The testing of a trans-Military-Area-Command (trans-MAC) suggests that the current PLA force structure is inadequate in handling logistic support for trans-regional joint operations. It shows that the PLA recognizes it is still experimenting new methods to improve its military operations.During the Stride 2009 (跨越-2009) trans-regional military exercise conducted on May 2009, the four PLA

China gets rare ship tour: Japan shows off Aegis-equipped destroyer at Sasebo

This Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force "show off" can be viewed in two ways: To display their most advanced hardware to the Chinese as a warming, or to remind the Americans that Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama is seeking a more "independent" agenda for Japan (here). In light of the recent Okinawa base dispute (here) with the US military and Hatoyama’s proposal for an "East Asia Community" (here)

List of known Class-A Ground Force Military Exercise (cross-region, brigade/division level) conducted by the PLA in 2009.

Peace Mission 2009 和平使命-2009Sino-Russia Joint exercise. Taonan, Jilin province.Medical Service Mission 2009 卫勤使命—2009Medical/Logistic Support ExerciseGeneral Logistic Department, PLAAF, Lanzhou MR, Lanzhou Air force, Jianan MR.Stride 2009 跨越-2009Long Range Deployment, Cross-Region Exercise162nd Motorized Infantry Division, 54th Group Army, Jinan MR. 61st Mechanized Infantry Division, 21st

"Iron Fist-2009" military exercise in Jinan MAC

127th Light Mech Infantry Division Vs 11th Armor Division, 54th Group Army, Jinan MR"Iron Fist-2009" military exercise in Jinan MAC(Source: PLA Daily) 2009-11-27　　The military exercise code-named "Iron Fist-2009" was held at the Queshan Combined Tactics Training Base of the Jinan Military Area Command (MAC) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army from November 18 to 23, 2009. According to Rong

China, Japan plan first joint military exercise

It will take much more to put aside their mutual suspicion. Nevertheless, it is a welcoming step. Fri Nov 27, 2009 8:54am ESThttp://www.reuters.com/article/newsMaps/idUSTRE5AQ2EY20091127TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan and China agreed on Friday to conduct their first joint military training exercise, in the latest sign of warming ties between the Asian neighbors, long marked by mutual suspicion and

The Government Flying Service of Hong Kong

The Government Flying Service (GFS) is one of the disciplined services departments of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has an establishment of 223 personnel responsible for flight operations, aircraft maintenance and administration. The GFS Headquarters (HQ) is located at the south-western corner of the Hong Kong International Airport at north Lantau. http://

Update on China’s IL-76 buy.

According to the $1.5 billion contract signed in September 2005, Russia would deliver 34 IL-76 military cargo planes and four IL-78 Midas refueling tankers in 2006 (here). The time-frame for this delivery was pushed by Rosoboronexport citing production and cost related issues. The Chinese government suspended the contract after Rosoboronexport attached an additional $400 million USD to the

J-10 pilot gets top honors for saving faulty jet fighter

Public Relations kitsch aside, this write-up offers a glance into how the PLAAF operates. Chinese pilot gets top honors for saving faulty jet fighter08:14, March 30, 2009http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90786/6822507.htmlA Chinese pilot who successfully brought a malfunctioning jet fighter, a domestically made J-10, in for a landing was given the nation's First-Class Merit Citation and a

Coatesville, PN plant gets "Pimp-My-Chopper" contract for Chinese-made Sikorsky frames

This news is definitely a major milestone for China’s aviation industry. It provides further evidence that China’s state sponsored capitalism (tm) is starting to pay dividends with private western companies. While China is capable of weaponizing the S-76, don’t expect to see one in PLA service soon as such modifications will undoubtedly annoy the US Government.Coatesville plant to get

Offical Statement Regarding China's fourth Generation Fighter

The PLAAF public relations department confirmed the reported "fourth generation fighter [J-xx]" is based on the improved J-10 design. This confirmation was published by the Xinhua News Agency and the PLA daily.Hopefully the PLAAF confirmation will put an end to all the speculation about the J-xx project since General He Weirong's statement saying "pilots could expect to jump into the most

China’s last cavalry

China’s last cavalry * Source: Global Times * [17:34 November 20 2009] http://military.globaltimes.cn/china/2009-11/486750.htmlA soldier herds horses on horseback.The second squadron of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is the only mounted troop of The Chinese People's Liberation Army, camping in Maodeng pasture Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia.With the development of modern science and military

H5 and H6 Testbeds for the JH-7 Project.

Back in June 17 2009, I blogged about the "Growler" role for PLA's JH-7 fighter-bomber project. (Here) Recently released photos suggest that old H5 and H6 bombers were used during the component testing phase of the project.There must be a reason to keep all those bombers around..........H-5 testbed for JH-7 systems. Late 1980sH-6 testbed for JH-7 EW pods.

Replenishment ship 888 Transferred to the Fisheries Law Enforcement Command (FLEC) as "渔政88"

According to the Guangzhou Shipyard International Company Ltd (GSI), the Type R22T Fuchi class AOR Fuxianhu 888 was launched on December 25th 2006 and commissioned by the PLAN South Sea Fleet on December 2007. Unlike her two Fuchi class sisters (886 and 887), Fuxianhu was designed to ferry supply and personnel to PLAN's offshore garrison. Her two RAS stations (one liquid, one solid) were

Haier air conditioner – a perfect solution for Indonesia’s armor corps

Chinese Coast Guard Development: Challenge and Opportunity

Chinese Coast Guard Development: Challenge and OpportunityPublication: China Brief Volume: 9 Issue: 23November 19, 2009 12:56 PM Age: 56 minCategory: China Brief, Military/Security, China and the Asia-Pacific, Home PageBy: Lyle Goldsteinhttp://www.jamestown.org/programs/chinabrief/single/?tx_ttnews[tt_news]=35747&tx_ttnews[backPid]=25&cHash=11a04a70b2U.S. Coast Guard Cutter RUSH (WHEC-723) in

PLAAF 11th SAM Brigade (Unit Number 95607) Chengdu Airforce, PLAAF

Recently, PLA daily featured the PLAAF 11th SAM Brigade in its online photo essay (here)This unit is best known for its 23 month and 17 day deployment to Laos from December 21th, 1971 to November 14th 1973 at the height of the “Indochina crisis.”The PLAAF 11th Anti-Air Artillery Division was commissioned in Shanghai on April 1st 1967 with elements drawn from the Nanjing Airforce and an army AAA

PLAAF Wallpapers

Exhibition of Weapons and Equipment of PLA Air Force opened to public(Source: China Military Online) 2009-11-16　　As one of the celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Air Force of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Exhibition of Weapons and Equipment of PLA Air Force was opened to the public at the China Aviation Museum in Beijing on November 15, 2009, displaying the

China seeks reform of UN peacekeeping

Interesting timing, right after Obama's China visit.China seeks reform of UN peacekeepingBy Kathrin Hille in Beijinghttp://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8ecd9a04-d3e2-11de-8caf-00144feabdc0.htmlPublished: November 18 2009 02:00 | Last updated: November 18 2009 02:00China will convene an unprecedented conference on international peacekeeping in Beijing today, in a sign it is seeking to shape the future of an

Obama is such a weakling… chicken soup and Chinese Merlot for state dinner?

Back in the good ole days, real men raise toasts with Maotai, the 150-proof liquor, and joked about how many millions of lives can be scarified in a nuke exchange with the Soviet Union.Did someone order milk?Chinese steak, Stevie Wonder at state dinner for Obamahttp://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j-I-1viEFIjc260gE5jzGIRZXr_w(AFP)BEIJING — After a tough morning of talks Tuesday and

The 7th Type 054A Class FFG Launched.

The 7th Type 054A Class FFG launched at Huangpu Shipyard in Guangzhou on November 15, 2009.Here is a list of known Type054A FFG composed by Koxinga.F-529 舟山 2006/12/21, 2008/1/3F-530 徐州 2006/9/30, 2008/1/27F-568 巢湖 2007/5/23, 2008/6/30F-570 黃山 2007/3/18, 2008F-571 運城 2009/2/8F-569 玉溪 2009/4/28

GE: We Bring Good Things to Life

The recently announced Chinese heavy transport project can use all the help it can get. (here). From engines to avionics, GE seems to be everywhere around China's aviation industryIl-76 heavy transport of the "Civilian-Run" China United Airline.* NOVEMBER 16, 2009http://online.wsj.com/article/SB30001424052748704538404574537641032679318.htmlGE puts faith in China's aerospace industryU.S. company

An update on the training of PLAN officers in Brazil.

Six month ago, it was reported that China and Brazil had reached an agreement to train PLA Naval personnel in Brazil on aircraft carrier operations. (here) (here) The recently reached "five-point consensus" agreement during the Brazilian Defense Minister Nelson Jobim's visit to China seems to add credence to the earlier report.China, Brazil reach five-point consensus to strengthen military

SP-1 and SP-3 Truck Based Self-Propelled Artillery System.

The Norinco SP family of Truck Based self-propelled (SP) artillery system was first revealed during the 2007 Abu Dhabi International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2007). It is once again on display at this year’s IDEX with more detailed sales brochures and technical diagrams. China’s debut of the L-15 advanced jet trainer marks a major push into the Middle East Arms market after the success of the

Dubai 09: L-15 makes desert debut

DATE:15/11/09SOURCE:Flight Daily NewsDubai 09: L-15 makes desert debutBy Stephen Trimblehttp://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/11/15/334843/dubai-09-l-15-makes-desert-debut.htmlChina's latest aerospace export candidate - the L-15 Falcon advanced jet trainer - will be on full display at the Dubai air show, a rare glimpse of the supersonic aircraft outside its home country.The L-15, a product of

PLA's Shtora Tank Active Protection Suite

Photos of the Shtora active protection suite mounted on a Type96G MBT has been released by Norinco. The Russian Shtora is an electro-optical jammer that jams the enemy's semiautomatic command to line of sight (SACLOS) antitank guided missiles, laser rangefinders and target designators. The system is also fitted on most of the Russia based MBT such as the T-80 and T-90, the Ukranian T-84, and

Malaysia Seeks China's Logistic Support For Sukhoi Fighters

On July 20th 2004, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak announced that Malaysia had agreed in principle to purchase the KS-1 medium-range SAM and the FN-6 MANPAD. The precise price of the deal was not released, but according to Professor Wang Bingyan, the president of the CPMIEC, China had offered the KS-1A transaction on "flexible payment terms, including counter-trade, barter and deferred

FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle To Indonesia?

This is difficult to believe but Indonesia prefers the FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle over the proven K-8 jet trainer. If the deal is finalized, it will mark Indonesia as the first export customer of the FTC-2000.The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Fri, 11/13/2009 8:58 AM | Nationalhttp://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/11/13/ri-purchase-trainer-attack-aircraft-russia-china.htmlIndonesia will purchase

Victory 2009 military exercise

Foreign military officers view “Victory 2009” exercise(Source: China Military Online) 2009-11-11　　More than 130 military officers from 56 countries, including foreign students of the College of Defense Studies of the National Defense University and the Nanjing Army Command College of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), commanding officers from the national training centers of Germany and India

Obama to press China on Afghanistan

With "possible" options including greater humanitarian assistance and sending military police to help train the Afghan police force.Odd that China has already begun to provide training and humanitarian assistance (here) (here).Obama to press China on Afghanistanhttp://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7f2bf2d0-cf78-11de-b876-00144feabdc0,dwp_uuid=9c33700c-4c86-11da-89df-0000779e2340.htmlBy Geoff Dyer in

The PLA de-mining team in Lebanon

The PLA’s UN de-mining team in Lebanon (UNFIL) has been selected by the PLA daily as the next “headline” item to cover. (Here) These photos were taken from the de-mining team of the PLA’s 6th rotation to Lebanon. The 335 person battalion (275 troops and 50 medical personal) is serving under the UN UNFIL mission mandate. The team is composed of 70 de-miners from the Changdu MR UNMACC certified

Xianglong UAV conductes its maiden flight.

Guizhou Aviation Group (GAV) announces (here) and (Here) that the maiden flight of the Xianglong UAV has been successfully conducted on November 7th 2009 at 12:21 PM. The maiden flight took place at the Anshun airport and lasted 18 minutes.Xianglong, or the Chinese HQ-4 Global Hawk, is a joint venture between the Guizhou Aviation Group and the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute (CADI). It was

Cooking skill -- can't have force projection without it.

The ad hoc logistic arrangement described in this press release does not seem to be adequate for maintaining a modern, rapid, intense combat operation. The PLA still falls short in mounting a large-scale joint campaign operation. PLA’s first integrated logistic support exercise for joint operation held(Source: MOD) 2009-11-11　 　Liao Xilong, member of the Central Military

A follow up on my previous Q-5 blog entry

A follow up on my previous Q-5 blog entry (Q-5J is Back?) -- the tandem-seat Q-5J is indeed a Q-5D conversion, not a new build.

A "blast" from the past.

Here are some photos of various "naval" artillery deployed by the PLAN during the 1950s to deter possible US/KMT amphibious landings in the Tianjin/Qingdao region. Surprisingly, some of these antiques are still equipped on second-line JiangHu and Luda class warships.These images continue to serve as a reminder that being technologically backwards (foolish as it may seem) has never prevented the

Pakistan in Chinese fighter jet deal

As reported in today's Financial Times, China has agreed to sale 36 J-10 to Pakistan. This important deal has been under negotiation for two years now (as has been noted several times in this blog) and signifies not just a military exchange between China and Pakistan, but a strong "all weather" commitment between those two nations. The timing of this news is very close to Obama’s planned visit

The "party-line" of the PLAAF.

Here are some useful references for all ya'll PLAAF watchers out there.BACKGROUNDER: Timeline of China's People's Liberation Army air forcewww.chinaview.cn 2009-11-10 20:59:43 http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/10/content_12427123.htmBEIJING, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) air force is to mark its 60th founding anniversary with an air show and an exhibition of

New Light On The Chinese 4th Generation Fighter Project

General He Weirong's statement "pilots could expect to jump into the most advanced fighter jets in 8 to 10 years that will have stealth capability" has generated a great deal of buzz in the Chinese internet and his entire interview can be watched here.Judging from the interview, he was possibly referring to the long rumored J-XX 4th Generation Fighter project based on the stealthy twin-engine

A swimming 122mm Howitzer.

An Norinco Type 96 122mm Howitzer mounted on a ZDB 05 amphibious chassis has been spotted. This new concept will allow the PLA’s amphibious assault party to have an organic indirect-fire platform without resolving to the NGS (naval gun support). The new 122mm howitzer provides fire support immediately after it is launched from the landing ship thus greatly reducing the need to secure a landing

A rare look at a PLAAF radar station under the command of the ECM department, PLAAF Headquarter.

The PLAAF seems to open up (greater transparency?) during the recent 60th anniversary celebration. This could be the first time CCTV is allowed to cover such military sensitive areas.Colonel Sun, head of the ECM Department, PLAAF HQ.The REL Radar FamilyRES Family Long Range Search RadarA map of Shandong

X31II Anti-radiation missile, the imported Russian KH-31P ARM (Anti Radiation Missile) on attack.

In 2005, China imported 200 X31II ARM for its Su-30MKK fleet to perform SEAD missions. However, the performance of the missile was not as well as advertised which led to the replacement of the entire seeker. The improved Chinese multi-band seeker covers enemy radars operating between 2 to 18 GHz and a CEP of 8 to 10 meters and given the new designation of YJ-91.The YJ-91 has been integrated

Joint PLA PLAN-Marine Amphibious Military Exercise.

The recently conducted joint amphibious military exercise between the 124th Amphibious Mechanized Infantry Division, 42nd Group Army, Guangzhou MR and the 1st PLAN Marine Brigade, South Sea Fleet, was not well covered by the Chinese media in contrast to the larger exercise such as the Vangard 2009, Firepower 2009, West Region 2009, and the Airborne Maneuver 2009. Nevertheless, it should be noted

China and US conduct a coast guard search and rescue exercise.

Yesterday, the US Coast Guard’s Cutter Rush conducted a search and rescue (S&R) exercise with its Chinese counterpart off Shanghai.This cooperative event together with the recent visit by Rear Adm Scott Sanders (the commander of the US TaskForce 151) (here), the deployment of a PLAN task force to the Gulf of Aden, China’s search for a missing Korean war US bomber (here), and the recent visit by

J-8II Ground Attacker –replace the center fuselage tank with a bomb and call it good.

The J-8II was designed to perform as a high speed interceptor to counter enemy bomber fleets. With the introduction of the more modern Su-27/J-11/J-10, the PLAAF is moving the J-811 to a secondary role of "PGM Trucks" similar to the Q-5D/E modernization path.Modification of the new J-8IIs include replacing the center fuselage "wet" drop-tank hardpoint with a weapons station and a newer "

The long waited Chinese heavy military transport will be revealed by the end of 2009.

According to the AVIC (China Aviation Industry Group) press release as covered by the CCTV; China’s 200 ton class heavy military transport prototype will make its first physical appearance for the first time by end of this year. The R&D and manufacture work of this new transport will be centered at Xian. Here is the CCTV Report The new heavy transport prototype will be powered by four Russian

First Photo of the Russian S-300PMU2 in PLA service?

In November 2004, China reached a 980 million USD contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport for 64 launching units of the S-300MPU2 “Favorit” Air Defense Missile systems (NATO reporting name: SA-20B Gargoyle B). The deal also signified China as the S-300PMU2’s first customer. In addition to the 64 launching units, the deal also contained 256 Type 48N6E2 missiles in launch transport containers with

PLA Exercises March Toward Trans-Regional Joint Training

Col (Ret'd) Blasko's good summary on the large-scale PLA military training exercises conducted recently.PLA Exercises March Toward Trans-Regional Joint TrainingPublication: China Brief Volume: 9 Issue: 22November 4, 2009 01:29 PM Age: 3 hrsCategory: China Brief, Featured, Home Page, Military/Security, China and the Asia-PacificBy: Dennis J. Blaskohttp://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&

The Hugo Chavez Warplane show.

Chavez: Chinese Military Planes will Arrive http://www.cadenagramonte.cubaweb.cu/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1065:chavez-chinese-military-planes-will-arrive&catid=3:world&Itemid=14Caracas, Oct 30.- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced the arrival of Chinese K-8 planes for training and combat by the end of 2009, as part of their fleet modernization with

Q-5J is back?

Hongdu HAIC was greeted with doubts when it displayed the tandem-seat trainer “J” variant of the old Q-5 (A-5, NATO reporting name: Fantan) during the 2004 Zhuhai Air shows. The Q-5 attacker has been in service with the PLAAF for 40 years and production has been reduced to replacement due to attrition. The justification for pouring more resources into this old design is not apparent as more

Sino-Russian 20+ ton Heavy-Lift Helo Development Underway

Recent internet photos have surfaced of a concept model for the joint Sino-Russian heavy-lift helicopter project. This development is believed to be the latest incarnation of the Mil Mi-46, a heavy-lift helicopter project intended to replace the Mi-6 series and under sporadic development since 1992. The joint project was announced in the Russian media October 13th. The impetus for Chinese

Capitalism is alive and well in the People's Republic.

Beijing street vendors are gearing up for next month's Obama visit

More Y-8C Ordered By The PLAAF

According to Shaanxi Aircraft Company's press release, (here) the PLA has placed its single-largest order for the Y-8C tactical transport aircraft to date. The exact number of aircrafts involved with this order has not been made public but it is rumored over a dozen and training of the new ground support personnel has already started. (here) (here)The Y-8C order has been under negotiation for

CCTV features a YJ62C/C602C SSM Battalion.

The YJ62/C602 was revealed to the public during the 2006 Zhuhai air show and has quickly become an important part of the PLAN’s coastal defense and anti-access strategy. With a range of 300+ km, according to its exporter: the China National Precision Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CPMIEC), it can shield PLA troop transport routes around the Taiwan Strait from naval surface interdiction

More Photos From The PLAAF 60th Anniversary Warplane Show

Type 200A Anti-Runway Bomb

Type 200AThe PLAAF 60th Anniversary Warplane Show marks the first public display of the Type 200A anti-runway bomb, the rumored laser-guarded variant of the Type200-4 anti-runway bomb in service with the PLAAF since 1996. According to the Chinese, the Type200-4 is the localized adoption of the French MATRA Durandal imported during the 1980s. As expected, MATRA denied any direct Durandal link

Discussion on China's Security Future

Here is a good panel discussion from the Council on Foreign Relations on the recent development of the PLA. Click on the link below, download the MP3, and listen to it in your own time. You can also watch the video online (here) China 2025: Panel III: China's Security Future (Audio) http://www.cfr.org/publication/20548/china_2025.html?breadcrumb=%2Fregion%2F270%2Feast_asia Speakers:

Historical photos for the 60th anniversary of the PLAAF.

A rare photo of the Tu-4 "Bull" bomber (Soviet's B-29 copy) of PLAAF's 4th Independent Regiment , 10 were "given" by Stalin for Mao's birthday in 1953No Bull! It is a Chinese AWAC!

China to mark 60th founding anniversary of airforce with warplane show

The word "harmonious" IMHO has been overused and abused by the PRC PR department. Give it a rest.China to mark 60th founding anniversary of airforce with warplane show(Source: Xinhua) 2009-10-27　　BEIJING, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) air force will put its most advanced warplanes on display in the suburbs of Beijing in November, to mark the 60th founding

The original Type 054 pair heads out.

The deployment of FFG-525 and FFG-526 marks the first time members of the third Flotilla, East Sea Fleet are being deployed to the Gulf of Aden.The third flotilla is modern by PLAN standards staffed with the imported Russian Sovremenny class DDG and the domestic Type 054 and Type 054A FFG. It made news last November when the DDG138 and FFG 525 passed through the Japanese Tsugaru Strait on their

J-10S, the White Rabbit Candy.*

"August First" flight demonstration team to fly J-10 aircraftHere is SOC's view on the new demo bird.AAMs could be there for balance issues. J-10s seem to almost always be carrying PL-8s out there. Even the J-10B had them fitted when it first appeared in primer. Drop tank could be where the chemicals for the smoke effect are stored. In the Thunderbirds F-16 the 20mm gun and ammo can were

Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Cadets to be trained in a PLAN vessel for the first time.

Since the current economic downturn, the trilateral relations between China, South Korea and Japan has improved steadily. They are now pushing forward with their own regional cooperation agendas. First, there was the joint development of undersea resources in the disputed zones between China and Japan, (here) then the study of the "East Asian Community" concept (here), and now the Trilateral