Chinese Arms Sales Monthly Snapshot

Prepared by RAND

Monthly Snapshot

August 2024

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 July 2024. RAND 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 Defense Sector and Weapon System Issues

Chinese Military Systems Export Marketing and Sales

Burkina Faso Receives New 4x4 CS/VP14 and VP11 MRAP Vehicles from China

July 02, 2024 | Army Recognition Group

This report discusses the delivery of Chinese military equipment to Burkina Faso in June 2024. The shipment included Norinco VP11 and CS/VP14 MRAP armored vehicles and Caterpillar excavators. These vehicles are designed for troop transport and medical evacuation, crucial for countering persistent terrorist threats.

Hamas Shows off Chinese-made Anti-tank Ammunition

July 01, 2024 | X

In a propaganda video recently released by Hamas and circulated on social media, Hamas operators are seen preparing a batch of Chinese-made Type 75 105mm caliber recoilless high-explosive anti-tank rounds, claiming it as part of ongoing preparations for attack. The post highlights the increasing involvement of China in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Brazilian Navy Seeks Chinese Drones Amid Growing Geopolitical Tensions

July 05, 2024 | Army Recognition

The report claims that the Brazilian Naval Commission in Washington is seeking to procure Chinese DJI Mavic 3 and Matrice UAVs. The commission issued an RFQ which specified the need for one DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Thermal Combo and one DJI M30T Plus Combo, both of which are used extensively in military operations. The Brazilian Army uses DJI drones for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, valuing their surveillance capabilities and ease of use. Additionally, Brazil is developing its UAV capabilities with the Anshar explosive drone and the NAURU 1000C VTOL drone for advanced military operations.

China Offers Indonesia Submarines with German Engines to Avoid Thai Issues

July 08, 2024 | Army Recognition

China has reportedly proposed selling S26T diesel-electric submarines to Indonesia, featuring German engines to address issues previously encountered by Thailand. The offer was made by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) officials during a visit to Jakarta on June 28. The S26T submarines, identical to those ordered by Thailand, come with customization options and assurances that they won't face the same export restrictions. CSSC highlighted the submarines' German MTU engines and the potential to arm them with Chinese YJ-18 anti-ship missiles. The proposal maintains the S26T's original features, including an advanced air-independent propulsion system, enhancing operational capabilities.

China Accused of Building ‘Sunflower 200' Attack Drones for Russia

July 04, 2024 | iNews

Chinese companies are reportedly collaborating with Russian partners to develop an attack drone, the Sunflower 200. This drone, modeled after the Iranian "Shahed," has reportedly undergone testing and is prepared for shipment to Russia, according to a Bloomberg report. China has allegedly been sending component kits for assembly in Russia and may send completed drones, despite claims of neutrality and adherence to export control policies. The Chinese "Sunflower 200" drone, an upgrade of Iran's Shaheds, is capable of striking targets up to 1,500 km away. Western assessments indicate China has supplied Russia with dual-use components and electronics, aiding Moscow's military efforts, while the EU and other Western entities express ongoing concerns and urge Beijing to halt such supplies.

Tuareg Rebels Capture Chinese Norinco VP11 MRAP in Combat Against Wagner Forces in Mali

July 29, 2024 | Army Recognition Group

According to the report, Tuareg rebels in northern Mali inflicted heavy losses on Malian soldiers and Wagner Group mercenaries in fighting near the Algerian border. The rebels claimed to have seized armored vehicles and other military equipment in Tinzaouaten. The rebels reportedly captured at least one Norinco VP11 MRAP vehicle out of a batch of 100 delivered to the country in March 2023.

Chinese J-10 and J-31 Fighters Offered to Egypt as Alternative to US Jets

July 22, 2024 | Army Recognition Group

The Egyptian Air Force is reportedly considering acquiring Chinese J-10C and J-31 fighter jets to modernize its fleet and diversify its military assets. China is reportedly being considered because of Egypt's current complex relationships with Russia and the United States. The J-10C offers advanced capabilities at a lower cost, while the J-31 would allegedly counter Israel's F-35s.

Chinese MLRS in Service in Jordanian Military

July 23, 2024 | X

A social media post on X with a photo of Chinese SR- 5 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) exhibited with the crew claims the system in currently in active duty in the Jordanian Military. Each launcher carries a quad pack of 300mm long range rocket or twenty 122mm rockets.

Chinese Defense Sector

China's Fujian Aircraft Carrier Begins 3rd Sea Trials Testing Electromagnetic Catapult System

July 04, 2024 | Army Recognition

Fujian, China's third aircraft carrier, has embarked on its third sea trial with two J-15T carrier-based aircraft on the flight deck to test its electromagnetic catapult system. This trial reportedly focuses solely on the J-15T, unlike previous trials that included various aircraft configurations. This sea trial is said to be the first live test of the electromagnetic catapult system on the carrier, and comes just over three weeks after the previous trial, indicating a rapid progression compared to earlier Chinese carriers.

Chinese H-6K Bomber Now Carries Twice the 2PZD-21 Hypersonic Missiles as Previously Believed

July 03, 2024 | Army Recognition

The report discusses a recent picture by the Chinese Southern Theater Command Air Force which showed an H-6K bomber carrying two 2PZD-21 air-launched ballistic missiles under one wing, suggesting it can carry up to four missiles in total. This new configuration indicates the H-6K's enhanced missile capacity, previously believed to be one missile per wing. The YJ-21 missile, also known as Eagle Strike 21, is a hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile with a range of up to 930 miles and speeds exceeding Mach 6. The air-launched variant, 2PZD-21, extends the H-6K's strike capabilities against both land and maritime targets, enhancing China's offensive reach. The H-6K, an upgraded bomber, is equipped with advanced avionics and radar systems, capable of carrying various munitions, including the YJ-12 anti-ship missiles and CJ-10A cruise missiles, supporting China's strategic ambitions.

China Boosts Amphibious Assault Capabilities with ZBD-05 and ZTD-05 Vehicles Amid Taiwan Possible Invasion

July 15, 2024 | Army Recognition

The report discusses a recent video by the Chinese Ministry of Defense which showcases amphibious operations using the ZBD-05 and ZTD-05 vehicles. These operations are reportedly part of China's preparations for a potential invasion of Taiwan, involving large-scale drills and the use of civilian ferries to enhance sealift capacity. The PLAN has significantly boosted its amphibious capabilities with advanced ships like the Type 075 and Type 071 class, and the PLANMC has expanded with multiple brigades equipped with specialized vehicles.

PLA Mulls Drone-only Island Blockade while the US Plans Drone-only Intervention in Taiwan

July 05, 2024 | South China Morning Post

A recent research published by the PLA suggests that it has the capability to establish and maintain blockade around Taiwan using drone swarms alone, which is viewed as a response to the "Hellscape" drone plan unveiled by the U.S.

China Develops New 155mm Wheeled Howitzer

July 26, 2024 | Defence Blog

The report discusses a 155mm wheeled howitzer shown on Chinese state TV. The howitzer has a 4×4 chassis believed to be a modified Iron Horse platform, and a 39-caliber barrel with a screw-type breech. The system is allegedly a new version of the Chinese truck-mounted PCL-181 (SH-15 for export).

PLA Navy Variant of the Trainer Jet Revealed via Satellite Image

July 25, 2024 | X

A social media post on X with a satellite photo of an alleged mock-up of the JL-10J trainer jet reveals the details of the navy variant of the system. It has larger horizontal stabilizers and larger wings compared to the PLAAF variant.

Chinese Defense Sector and Weapon System Issues

Top Official in China's Rocket Force Investigated for Corruption: State Media

July 19, 2024 | Alarabiya News

A top Chinese official in Beijing's Rocket Force, Sun Jinming, is under investigation for corruption. He was expelled from the Communist Party for "grave violations of party discipline and laws," a common euphemism for graft. The announcement coincided with the end of the Communist Party's Third Plenum. Former Rocket Force commander Li Yuchao was also expelled from the party for similar violations.

Contacts

Cortney Weinbaum

weinbaum@rand.org

Senior Management Scientist

Weilong (David) Kong

dkong@rand.org

Assistant Policy Researcher

RAND 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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