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China Is Working on A New High-Speed Combat Drone to Pair with Its J-20 Stealth Fighter April 01, 2023 | South China Morning Post This article highlights China is developing a new unmanned combat aerial vehicle, known as the FH-97A, to operate alongside its most advanced stealth fighter jet, the J-20 Mighty Dragon. According to a report in the latest edition of Naval and Merchant Ships magazine, “the pairing of the FH-97A and the J-20 will free up the J-20 from frontline combat tasks so that it can specialize in functions such as command and control, data distribution and interruption of communication.”
New Chinese Carrier Concept Looks A Lot Like U.S. Navy’s Ford Class April 07, 2023 | The Drive This report discusses a design from the Chinese defense firm Jiangnan Shipyard showing a new Chinese aircraft carrier. The design is similar to the U.S. Navy Ford class of aircraft carriers and different from the Fujian aircraft carrier which is currently under construction.
China Urged to Speed Up Self-Reliance in Military Tech as Western Sanctions Render Old Model ‘Unsustainable’ April 11, 2023 | South China Morning Post This report discusses an article in a state-backed magazine that urged China to achieve military self-reliance in order to forestall the effect of Western sanctions. The researcher urged Chinese defense establishments to innovate, rather than imitate the weapons developed by other countries. China plans to develop a "fully modernized military by 2035 and become a world-class military power by 2049."
Inspired By US Tech & Powered By Russian Engines, China ‘Unveils’ Y-20B Aircraft With Indigenous WS-20 Engines April 09, 2023 | Eurasian Times According to this report, the WS-20 engine is now being used on the Chinese Y-20 transport aircraft. The report claims that Y-20 aircraft with the WS-20 engine may have entered service with the PLAAF, but it also says that there are no serial numbers on the Y-20 aircraft that is circulating on the media.
China Army Receives New CS/SA5 SPAAG Gun/Missiles Air Defense Vehicles April 19, 2023 | Army Recognition This article highlights a video showing the 71st Air Defense Brigade of the 71st Group Army of the People's Liberation Army receiving new military equipment including an improved version of the CS/SA5 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (SPAAG). The CS/SA5 SPAAG is a based on new 8x8 armored vehicle developed and designed by the China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO). It is designed to provide close-range air defense for ground forces against various aerial threats such as low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Also, the CS/SA5 can serve as a ground support weapon, showcasing its flexible capabilities in the mobile air defense system.
Leaked US Intel Suggests First Chinese WZ-8 Drone Unit Established April 21, 2023 | Naval News According to this report, leaked US intelligence documents suggest that China has established a supersonic drone unit which will conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaisance (ISR) missions. The WZ-8 drone is expected to operate in a similar manner as the Lockheed Skunk Works D-21 drone. The WZ-8 drone is reportedly designed to provide "penetrating ISR capability against time-sensitive targets."
China’s Arms Exports Declined by 23% in 10 Years, Signaling Stockpiling April 20, 2023 | Vanguard This report suggests that the drop in Chinese arms exports could be a sign of stockpiling at home. The current Russia-Ukraine War and the disputes with India around the Line of Actual Control are cited as possible factors contributing to China's weapon stockpiling. The report adds that China could be stockpiling for an invasion of Taiwan, and it may also be stockpiling to supply the Russian military.
PLA Navy Officially Announced Upgraded Catapult-Capable J-15 Fighter Jet April 25, 2023 | Sohu In the official 74th PLA Navy Anniversary celebration video circulating on major Chinese news outlets, the PLA Navy showcased the J-15T, an upgraded variant of J-15 carrier-based multi-role fighter jet. The J-15T model features a new nose cone, which is speculated to be an advanced active electronically scanned array system for multi-target engagement, as well as reinforced landing gears for catapult launch.
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