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Thailand Weighs Accepting Chinese Engine in Submarine Deal June 15, 2023 | Nikkei Asia This article reports that Thailand is considering a Chinese engine for a submarine it plans to purchase from China after Germany has refused to supply an engine. Thailand agreed in 2017 to purchase a submarine from China. But the plan came to a halt a year after Germany objected to the use of its products for Chinese military exports. China's state-owned submarine producer alternatively offered a Chinese-made engine for the submarine, which Thailand resisted due to quality concerns. Thai navy officials and Chinese authorities will meet and discuss the submarine deal later this month. In preparation for the Chinese substitute, Thailand has sought information from Pakistan about the quality of its Chinese-made submarine fleet, the defense ministry sources said. Security analysts say China has been lobbying the Thai navy to accept the Chinese submarine engine.
Moroccan Air Forces Get Training on Wing Loong Il Drones June 13, 2023 | Barlaman Today Moroccan air forces reportedly received an intensive training from China on how to operate the Chinese-made Wing Loong Il drones. Pictures of certificates of training completion have been circulating on the internet. In May, there was also reportedly a ceremony marking the completion of the training on the unmanned aircraft system that was held in Chengdu, China. The Wing Loong drone system, acquired by Morocco since 2022, are manufactured by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). It is designed primarily for “intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and is remotely piloted via mobile ground control station.”
Iraq Next in Line to Procure Chinese-Made JF-17 Fighter Jets? June 13, 2023 | Indian Defense Research Wing This report claims that open source intelligence from Pakistan suggests that Iraq may become the fourth operator of the JF-17 fighter jet. Iraq and Pakistan have announced plans to increase their military cooperation. Iraq has also reportedly expressed interest in purchasing 12 JF-17 block 3 jets, in addition to the 14 Rafale jets it intends to purchase from French manufactuer Dassault Aviation.
Modeled J-20 and J-31 Stealth Fighter on Display Overseas for the First Time at Paris Air Show with Speculated Possibility for Export June 20, 2023 | Xinhua News During the Paris Air Show, models of Chinese-made J-20 and J-31 along with cargo transport, bombers, combat drones and airborne early warning and control aircraft were on exhibition. This news was shared by multiple Chinese news outlets which described the exhibition as a demonstration of China's proficiency in "surface attack, strategic projection and integrated support in a informatized and complex battle environment." Chinese military bloggers are speculating the possibility of China exporting these stealth fighters to compete with the F-35.
Chinese-made Artillery Shells Revealed in the Possession of Russian Forces in Ukraine June 27, 2023 | Twitter A photo allegedly released by a combatant from an artillery unit of the Russian Armed Forces shows Chinese-made Type 66 HE-frag projectile in the posession of Russian forces in Ukraine, together with what seems to be propellant charges made by Iran.
DRC receives CH-4 drones from China June 30, 2023 | Military Africa According to the report, the DRC has acquired nine CH-4 drones from China for its counterinsurgency operations against the M23 rebels. The CH-4 drones are said to be an attractive alternative because they are less expensive and have less stringent conditions attached to their sale. Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Nigeria are some of the other countries that have purchased the UAV.
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