Chinese Arms Sales Monthly Snapshot

Prepared by the RAND Corporation

Monthly Snapshot

December 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 Wing Loong-I ("Pterodactyl") 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 November 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 and Weapon System Issues

Measures Impacting Sanctions

Chinese Military Systems Export Marketing and Sales

China Hopes to Sell J-10C Fighter Jets in Middle East as Aerobatics Team Heads for Dubai Airshow

November 08, 2023 | South China Morning Post

This article highlights that seven Chinese J-10C jet fighters are set to showcase at the Dubai Airshow, marking the aircraft's first public appearance in the Middle East since its 2018 upgrade. As China aims to expand its presence in the Middle East market, interest in Chinese arms has grown in the region, with reports of Egypt expressing interest in the J-10C. The upgraded J-10C, commissioned in 2018, features advanced systems such as electronic warfare, infrared tracking, and active electronically scanned array radars.

UAE Receives First L-15 Trainer Aircraft from China

November 08, 2023 | Defence Blog

This article discusses two L-15A Falcon trainer aircraft manufactured by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) arriving in Dubai for their official debut at the upcoming Dubai Airshow. Acquired by the UAE Air Force, these aircraft, mark a significant milestone in the UAE's efforts to enhance its training capabilities, with the contract being finalized in February 2023 at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 23) in Abu Dhabi. The L-15A Falcons are designed to serve as versatile attack and fighter trainer aircraft.

Defense & Security 2023: Norinco to Supply Sky Saker FX80 UAV to Thai Army

November 07, 2023 | Janes

The Royal Thai Army has signed a contract with China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) for the supply of the fixed-wing/vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) Sky Saker FX80 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The contract which was signed in October includes one FX80 system comprising four UAVs and a ground control station. The Royal Thai Army is expected to recieve delivery of the new system in 2024. Thailand is set to become the first international customer for the FX80.

Multiple 10-Billion-Yuan Orders Signed During First Two Days of CIIE

November 07, 2023 | Global Times

According to this report, China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) signed contracts worth 31.2 billion yuan with 17 companies from 10 countries within the first two days of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) that began in Shanghai on November 6, 2023.

Defense & Security 2023: Norinco Completes VT-4 Deliveries to Thai Army

November 08, 2023 | Janes

China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) has announced the delivery of all 60 VT-4 main battle tanks (MBTs) ordered by the Royal Thai Army (RTA). NORINCO has also reportedly implemented a program for the sustainment and maintenance of the tanks. The RTA placed its first order for the VT-4 in 2016. While NORINCO did not announce any further deliveries, the Royal Thai Army is believed to require at least 100 more MBTs to replace its ageing fleet of M41 and M60 tanks.

Various Chinese Wheeled Infantry Fighting Vehicles Delivered to Senegal

November 08, 2023 | Army Recognition

Army Recognition reports that Senegalese National Gendarmerie has taken delivery of Chinese VN22 6x6 wheeled armored infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) and VN3C light tactical armored vehicles from China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO). The exact number delivered is unknown at this point. This follows a previous report earlier this year that NORINCO is steadily building up regional presence in Senegal.

Block III Thunder Makes International Debut

November 13, 2023 | Aviation International News

The Pakistan and China joint produced JF-17 fighter jet is making its international air show debut at the Dubai Airshow 2023. On display in Dubai, the aircraft is equipped with a variety of other China-origin weapons including the C-802AK anti-ship missile and the Aselpod advanced targeting pods.

Belarus Reportedly Receives Chinese-Made Ballistic Missile

November 16, 2023 | Defence Blog

The Ministry of Defense of Belarus recently conducted an induction ceremony for the new 'Polonez-M' rocket launcher. The 'Polonez-M' missile system, capable of precisely targeting up to eight objectives simultaneously at a range of 300 kilometers, and highlighting that Belarus developed the 'Polonez' system using Chinese-made rockets, particularly the M20 solid-fueled ballistic missile.

Pakistan in Talks to Buy Chinese Light Combat Jet

November 18, 2023 | Defence Blog

During the 2023 Dubai Airshow, Hongdu Aircraft Company confirmed that Pakistan is in formal negotiations to acquire a light attack aircraft from China, aiming to replace the aging F-7PG fighters in use by the Pakistan Air Force for combat pilot conversion. Pakistan is interested in acquiring this light attack aircraft version of the L-15 trainer, which is armed with nine hardpoints capable of carrying approximately three tons of weaponry, including the versatile HJ-10 anti-tank guided missiles and LS series laser- and satellite-guided bombs.

UAE Confirms $440 Million Order of L-15 Trainer Jet

November 14, 2023 | Flight Global

The United Arab Emirates defence ministry confirmed finalizing a contract with China Aerospace Technology and Industry Corporation to supply its air force with a dozen Hongdu L-15 jet trainers for aerobatic display team use during Dubai Airshow. The contract is reportedly worth $440 million.

Chinese Defense Sector and Weapon System Issues

From Hypersonic Missiles to Undersea Drones, the PLA is Making Leaps

November 06, 2023 | The Economist

This report discusses the progress made by Chinese defense industry as well as challenges still faced by the industry. Developmental delays, technical flaws, and supply chain issues are some of the challenges facing the Chinese defense industry. The report discusses the progress made in replacing the J-20 engine with the Chinese-made WS-15 engine but also mentions Thailand's unwillingness to use a Chinese submarine engine which it regarded as "not proven." The report also mentions defects in Chinese arms sold to Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Pakistan. A Chinese study that found that its military UAVs "often fail to meet actual combat needs" was also cited in the report.

China's Rocket Motor Test Fire Appers to Have Suffered Another Explosive Accident

November 28, 2023 | X

Satellite images circulating on social media platform X suggests an explosion after a recent test by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The image comparison from before and after the scheduled test shows traces and residuals of the explosion and abnormal tail blow of the rocket at the launch stand. Another similar accident happend over two years ago.

Measures Impacting Sanctions

Myanmar Air Force Loses Second K-8 in Eastern Hostilities

November 13, 2023 | Janes

This report discusses a second Chinese-built K-8 light attack aircraft in the fleet of the Mayanmar Air Force destroyed by insurgents in Myanmar. One K-8 aircraft was previously shot down on July 1. The article connects the destruction of the aircraft with the proliferation of the Chinese-built Type 77 12.7 mm machine gun. The United Wa State Army (UWSA), a non-state armed group based along the Chinese border in eastern Shan state, is reportedly selling the Chinese-made arms to the Myanmar combatant groups.

Ukrainian Military Discover Chinese Mines in Russian Positions

November 27, 2023 | Euromaidan Press

Chinese-made munitions including mines and 60 mm mortar shells manufactured in 1975, based on the markings, were uncovered by Ukrainian forces at captured Russian positions. They could have ended up in Russia directly from China or through third countries.

Contacts

Cortney Weinbaum

weinbaum@rand.org

Senior Management Scientist

Oluwatimilehin (Tim) Sotubo

osotubo@rand.org

Assistant Policy Researcher, RAND

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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