Chinese Arms Sales Monthly Snapshot

Prepared by the RAND Corporation

Monthly Snapshot

June 2023

A military vehicle carrying a Pterodactyl I unmanned aerial vehicle drives in Beijing, China. Photo by REUTERS/Jason Lee

A military vehicle carrying a Pterodactyl I unmanned aerial vehicle / Photo by REUTERS/Jason Lee

The Chinese Arms Sales Monthly Snapshot features open-source material on Chinese advanced conventional weapons sales during May 2023. The RAND Corporation seeks credible open-source material but does not verify the content of the open-source material on Chinese arms export sales to foreign government officials, non-governmental subject matter experts, and media outlets. Chinese arms exports are an important element of its growing military power and geopolitical influence. This activity is supported with funding from the U.S. Department of State.

Selection: Open source materials are selected for the Monthly Snapshot based on analyst judgement to illustrate the diversity of sources, regions, and weapons systems.

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Chinese Military Systems Export Marketing and Sales

Chinese Defense Sector

Chinese Military Systems Export Marketing and Sales

Morocco Acquires Chinese HJ-9A Anti-Tank Missiles

May 31, 2023 | The Defense Post

This report discusses the Chinese-origin HJ-9A anti-tank missile system recently showcased by the Royal Moroccan Navy. The weapon system is said to have two explosive charges, a range of 5.5 kilometers, and the capability to penetrate reactive armor to the depth of 1.2 meters. The system is reportedly fitted with a radar guidance system and can be deployed on the ground or mounted on vehicles.

Controversy In Nepal Over Defence Purchases from China

May 30, 2023 | Economic Times

This article discusses the controversy surrounding Nepal army's plans to procure 26 armored personnel carriers (APCs) from Chinese state-owned company, North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO). Nepal claims that it plans to use the Chinese-made APCs for various United Nations' peacekeeping missions. The deal reportedly includes the procurement of 10,000 CQ, the 5.56 mm version rifles. This deal has reportedly caused a controversy because NORINCO is on the U.S. sanctions list and is said to have supplied arms in the past to insurgents in Nepal.

China Said to be Negotiating Arms Deals with Saudi Arabia and Egypt

May 24, 2023 | South China Morning Post

According to this report, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are in talks with China to purchase major weapons systems as both countries seek to diversify away from Russia and the US. Egypt is in talks with Chengdu Aircraft Industry group to purchase the J-10C, while Saudi Arabia is in talks with China North Industries Group Corporation to purchase drones and air defense systems.

Iraq's Air Force Modernisation Accelerates with New Aircraft

May 23, 2023 | Airforce Technology

This article highlights that Iraq is acquiring modern military equipment, including from China, to strengthen its defense capabilities and address regional instability and the growing threat of ISIS. The Iraqi government reportedly approved 12 units of JF-17 Block 3 from China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group for $664 million dollars.

China Promotes Armed WJ-700, Airborne EW Kits At Langkawi Show

May 23, 2023 | Flight Global

This article examines Chinese defense companies showcasing its military equipment at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace show in Malaysia. Chinese companies are promoting a range of systems for developing nations, including an armed WJ-700 unmanned air vehicle and electronic warfare (EW) kits for helicopters and aircraft. The China National Precision Machinery Import & Export Corporation's stand features a model of the exportable WJ-700, that are equipped with two CM-102 anti-radiation missiles and two CM-502KG short-range anti-ship missiles. The Chinese electronics firm China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) is promoting airborne EW kits, such as the the JN1101-H 'Heilborne Communication EW System' and a truck-based system, the JN1199, that can jam a range of frequencies used by both radios and radars.

Kinshasa Receives First Batch of Three Chinese Attack Drones

May 22, 2023 | Twitter

According to this report, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation has delivered a CH-4 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo to strengthen its capabilities in its fight against the M23 rebel group.

UN Expert Says Myanmar Imported $1 Billion in Arms Since Coup, Much of it From Russia And China

May 19, 2023 | CNN

According to this report, Myanmar has obtained military systems from Russia, China, and Singapore since February 2021 when the military seized power. The report claims that Russian-origin arms sales to Myanmar amounted to $406 million, Chinese-origin arms sales amounted to $267 million, and Singaporean-origin arms sales amounted to $254 million. These weapons systems are being used to attack resistance groups in Myanmar. Thousands of civilians are also reported to have been killed in these attacks.

Algeria Confirms Acquisition of Another Chinese Electronic Warfare System

May 16, 2023 | Janes

According to this report, Algeria has acquired a CHL-906 electronic warfare system from China. The system is said to be able to "intercept and track radar radiation with a frequency of 0.1-40 GHz, while the multifunction radar jamming station can disrupt airborne radars out to a range of around 250 km." The report adds that Algeria already operates the Chinese DWL-002 electronic intelligence system.

Nigerian Air Force Inducts Wing Loong II, DA62

May 10, 2023 | Janes

According to this report, the Nigerian Air Force inducted a Chinese-made Wing Loong II unmanned aerial vehicle earlier this month. Nigeria ordered two Wing Loong IIs, four CH-4s, and two CH-3s from China in November 2020. The report states that these Wing Loong II drones, have registration numbers NAF 141 and NAF 142. Nigeria currently operates one Wing Loong II drone and its Chief of Air Staff reportedly mentioned in December 2022 that Nigeria had ordered three more Wing Loong II drones from China.

Chinese Defense Sector

LIMA 2023: Norinco Showcases its Wares, Including Robot Dog

May 31, 2023 | European Security & Defence

This report discusses North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO's) robot dog, the Model W20, which is said to be capable of "monitoring and reconnaissance in any environment deemed dangerous for a human presence." The robot dog was exhibited at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 exhibition in Malaysia. Other items NORINCO showcased at the exhibition include rockets, missiles, mortars, amphibious armored assault vehicle, self-propelled howitzer, multiple launch rocket system, and UAVs.

China Eyes Development of 203 mm Artillery

May 18, 2023 | Janes

The article highlights that the PLA is considering the development of 203 mm artillery systems, however, it intends to carry out tests first. The PLA has reportedly requested for bidders for the test project on the military procurement portal. The document has since been removed from the portal.

Chinese-Made Military Drones Have Hidden Tech to Stop Them Being Used to Attack China, Source Claims

May 17, 2023 | South China Morning Post

According to this article, Chinese-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) cannot be used to successfully attack China because they have been programmed to recognize an electric geofence around China. The report also adds that "hidden restrictions" and "subpar performance" of Chinese UAVs has turned customers towards Turkish UAVs.

'Submarine Of The Sky': China's Airship Program Uncovered in Satellite Images; Experts Calls it Highly Agile & Adaptable

May 01, 2023 | Eurasian Times

This article highlights a "small airship or barrage balloon" that has been developed by the Chinese military. The article states that the blimp is a "more agile and adaptable craft than anything else the Chinese military has previously revealed," a significant development in China's airship program.

Contacts

Cortney Weinbaum

weinbaum@rand.org

Senior Management Scientist

Cindy Zheng

czheng@rand.org

Research Assistant

The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis.

This monthly snapshot is part of a U.S. government foreign assistance effort to help countries comply with U.S. and international sanctions associated with the purchase of Chinese advanced conventional weapons.

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