Chinese Arms Sales Monthly Snapshot

UAE Contemplates Chinese J-20 Fighters as An Alternative To F-35 Amid Deal Challenges

May 06, 2024 | Army Recognition

Amidst complications with the American F-35 acquisition deal, the United Arab Emirates is reportedly considering the Chinese J-20 stealth fighters as an alternative, with the chief of joint operations of the Emirati Armed Forces visiting Beijing on April 23. Despite Israel's recent approval of the F-35 sale to the UAE, concerns over maintaining Israel's military edge, human rights issues, and the UAE's ties with China, notably its refusal to cut ties with Huawei, pose significant hurdles to the F-35 acquisition.

Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder Bags Another Fighter Deal, Media Says; India's LCA Tejas Banks on Massive IAF Contract

May 12, 2024 | Eurasian Times

This article reports that Pakistan has secured a $1.8 billion deal to supply 12 units each of the China-Pakistan joint produced JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets and MFI-17 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft to Iraq.

DSA 2024: Poly Defence Unveils New Unmanned Surface Vessels

May 14, 2024 | Janes

At the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2024 exhibition in Malaysia, Poly Defence, a subsidiary of China Poly Technologies, showcased models of several new unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and diver support vessels. The display included the Scout S45 surveillance USV, the Cavalry A150 attack USV, the A2000 attack and surveillance USV, the SDV-1 surface/underwater diver delivery vehicle, and the UPV-3D underwater diver propulsion vehicle. The report adds that these vessels are currently under development, with plans for them to operate in a networked environment for coordinated reconnaissance and combat operations in littoral waters.

DSA 2024: Chinese Company Poly Technologies Showcases Missile-Capable USV

May 08, 2024 | Janes

China Poly Technologies unveiled the A2000, a new advanced combat unmanned surface vessel (USV) at the DSA 2024 exhibition. The A2000, measuring 45 meters in length with a displacement of 280 tonnes and a top speed of 35 knots, is powered by twin diesel engines and two controllable pitch propellers. It is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an eight-cell vertical launching system for surface-to-air missiles, and 24-cell launchers for rockets, although it lacks anti-ship missile capabilities. The USV's trimaran hull design enhances stealth by minimizing radar detection, and it supports operations with VTOL unmanned aircraft systems for expanded surveillance, making it adaptable for both peacetime and conflict scenarios. Poly Technologies is actively seeking customers for the A2000 in the Middle East and South Asia, and the vessel, initially named Thunderer at its unveiling, can have its name customized per customer preferences.

DSA 2024 : Chinese Missiles Provider CPMIEC Release SY-400 Anti-Ship ICBM Launcher

May 08, 2024 | Army Recognition Group

At the DSA 2024 exhibition in Malaysia, Chinese company China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation showcased the SY-400 missile system equipped with the BP-12B short-range ballistic missile. The BP-12B missile can carry conventional or special payloads several hundred kilometers using a sophisticated guidance system that includes inertial guidance, satellite navigation (GPS or Beidou), and telemetry to ensure accuracy. The system is reportedly effective for penetrating enemy air defenses and conducting preemptive strikes against strategic targets, underscoring its utility for countries seeking advanced deterrence options.

Second Batch of CH-4 Drones Arrive DR Congo

May 20, 2024 | Military Africa

According to the report, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has received three CH-4 Rainbow drones from China, with plans to deploy them immediately against the M23 rebels and the Rwanda Defence Force in the eastern part of the country. These drones are part of a larger order, with three more expected soon, contributing to a total of nine CH-4 attack drones aimed at enhancing the DRC's military capabilities in the ongoing conflict. This acquisition reflects a broader trend in Africa, where countries like Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Ethiopia are turning to Chinese military drones for their affordability and less stringent purchase conditions.

PLAAF H-6 Bomber Test-fires Air-launched Ballistic Missile

May 02, 2024 | Sohu

Footage of an PLA Airforce H-6 bomber test-firing an air-launched ballistic missile has circulated on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo. Commentators discuss the missile's debut as a show-off for the Chinese version of Russian "Kynzhal" hypersonic missile with suspected anti-ship and air-to-ground capabilities.

Special Report: China Gears up Third Carrier for More Enduring Operations Despite Flight Deck Flaw

May 16, 2024 | Janes

The report claims that China has successfully completed the maiden sea trials of its third aircraft carrier. The trials focused on testing the reliability and stability of the carrier's propulsion and electrical systems. Despite its advanced features, there is a design limitation with the jet blast deflector for Catapult 2, which affects the efficiency of concurrent aircraft launch and recovery operations. This suggests a possible initial intention to use steam catapults, which were later replaced by electromagnetic ones.

DSA 2024: China Displays HD-1 and HD-1A Supersonic Missile in Malaysia

May 07, 2024 | Army Recognition Group

China Poly Technologies showcased the HD-1 supersonic missile family at the DSA 2024 exhibition in Malaysia. The HD-1 missile, which is alreasy in use by the People's Liberation Army Navy, is designed for both maritime and land-attack roles, featuring advanced capabilities with speeds between Mach 2.5 and 3.5 and a range of 290 km. It employs a combination of inertial navigation and satellite guidance, supplemented by radar and infrared guidance for terminal phase accuracy. The HD-1 family, including variants like the HD-1A and HD-1C, offers flexibility in deployment from various platforms and is equipped with features like an infrared imaging sensor and active radar seeker to enhance targeting precision and effectiveness in different combat scenarios.

DSA 2024: Chinese Company Poly Technologies Showcases Silent Hunter Laser Defense System

May 07, 2024 | Army Recognition Group

This report discusses the Silent Hunter system showcased by China Poly Technologies at the DSA 2024 in Malaysia. The Silent Hunter is a laser defense system mounted on a 6x6 truck. The system which was first unveiled at the International Defence Exhibition in 2017 was reportedly used to secure the G-20 summit in Hangzhou in 2016. The report notes that Saudi Arabia is the only country besides China that has deployed the system.

China's Type 076 LHD Debuts with Electromagnetic Catapult for Drones

May 13, 2024 | Tai Kung Pao

China's new Type 076 ship is suspected to be far superior than Type 075 in terms of capabilities, especially with integrated propulsion and electromagnetic catapults installed to launch fixed wing aircraft such as large unanned aerial vehicles. With an expected displacement of roughly 50,000 tons, the ship will be the 4th largest of the People's Liberation Army Navy following the three aircraft carriers.

Defective Chinese Military Equipment Becomes a Concern for Bangladesh

May 12, 2024 | Khabarhub

This report discusses China's plans to carry out its first military exercise with Bangladesh, named "Golden Friendship 2024." The report notes that this joint exercise is seen as a strategic move by China amidst concerns over Bangladesh's interest in purchasing defense items from India, funded by a USD 500 million Line of Credit. The report adds that the exercise also appears to be a response to Bangladesh's complaints about the substandard quality of Chinese defense equipment, which has led to reputational risks for Chinese defense industries. Over the years, Bangladesh has spent significant amounts on Chinese military hardware, but persistent issues with quality and performance have reportedly led to dissatisfaction and a reevaluation of their defense procurement strategy.

China Pushes ‘Rejected' Submarine Down Thailand's Throat; To Sell Pak's Hangor-Class Variant To Bangkok

May 21, 2024 | Eurasian Times

This report discusses Thailand's acquisition of a Yuan-class attack submarine equipped with a Chinese-origin engine. Following Germany's refusal to export the MTU- 396 diesel engine to China, Thailand initially canceled the procurement when China proposed using the unproven Chinese-made CHD620 diesel engine instead. After reconsideration and discussions, the Thai defense ministry decided to proceed with the purchase, accepting the Chinese engine, but this decision has delayed the expected delivery of the submarines to 2027 due to the need for extensive testing of the new engine.

How China's Ad-Hoc Tech Pipeline Fuels Russia's Ukraine War Efforts

May 01, 2024 | Nikkei Asia

This article discusses a Chinese seller's experience with selling critical items to Russia, like graphics processing units (GPUs), that are prohibited by U.S. export sanctions. Despite restrictions, technology flowing from China to Russia, including GPUs, is being used in Ukrainian conflict zones, as Russia adapts civilian hardware for military purposes, often through complex supply chains involving multiple countries and shell companies.