Chinese Armed Forces: News & Discussion

[Rakesh]

Both the F-35 and the Su-57 are coming to Aero India in February 2025. Battle of the 5th Gen

[Rakesh]

What an amazing take from Anantha! Beautifully said.

https://x.com/writetake/status/1873239976831533538 ---> Will we ever wake up?

In the last 3 days, I have been talking to several folks in the mil domain to find out as to what impact would China's Sixer have on India's desi plane projects. Everyone, seems to be completely taken aback and none is sharing much, because, there's nothing to share. Nothing at all.

Now how can they celebrate their piece meal achievements claiming as big?

* When I met a top-notch brain associated with developing surveillance platforms, the person admitted that the development will have a huge bearing on our efforts.

* When I asked whether China had tested this plane several months back and chose to tell the world only now, the person says that possibility cannot be ruled out.

To me, this development has at one shot made the upcoming #PlaneCarnival so irrelevant as everyone who follows #ThingsWithWings from close quarters know that #AeroIndia will yet again be an eyewash in the name of #Aatmanirbharta!

Mark my words folks! The A&D global giants and their Indian partners will get all the attention and those really toiling hard, I mean the MSMEs, SMEs & SSIs will all be left in the lurch. Already many are cribbing at the exorbitant rates in place to book an exhibition area.

MoD on the other hand will focus on the numbers (and who can verify these). For eg they will say 10 lakh people attended the show (how does this help India's A&D?); more foreign delegates (so what?); more B-2-B meetings compared to 2023 (that's okay) and there will be stage-show-MoU-signing-event (means CEOs will stand in the queue, like in a supermarket, their names will be called for naam-ke-vasthe-MoU-inking publicity stunts. Al pre-planned ones and God knows what happens after that!)

MoD will also come up with some new names to attract media: For eg: SCAM (Synchronised Capability of Aerospace Manufacturers) or SHIT (Supersonic High Intensity Technologies).

I have said this before. Saying it again: India's A&D projects lack collective leadership. It is not time-bound. It is hooked to individuals and their prejudices.

Time to wake up. Time to shake up. We must take a re-look at all our aviation progs. We must put better project management philosophies. We must make our desi R&D wings free from mediocre and self-centric fellows. We must prioritise.

The question is, who will listen? @PMOIndia

Until, the next Chinese surprise. Amen!

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/writetake/status/1873239976831533538 ---> Will we ever wake up?

We will only wake up for imports, because the services are import pasand.

[Cyrano]

Has anyone called it the samosa fighter yet?

[Manish_P]

Has anyone called it the samosa fighter yet?

I thought of Bingo Mad Angles chips when I saw it

But Samosa is more appropriate since it will carry stuffing inside

[VinodTK]

Irony is:
- Some countries are on the verge of getting into the realm of 6th generation aircraft
- Japan, Korea, Turkey, and others are testing 5th generation aircraft
- PAF is going to get 5th Gen. aircraft
- IAF wants a 4.5 generation (MMRC) aircraft to fight 6th and 5th generation fighters
* By the time the contract is signed & the last of the MMRC aircraft might be delivered by ~2033
* First flight of Rafale was on 24 November 1986 (approaching 40 years)
* In early 2030's IAF circus will start all over again, need to mordanize the MMRC aircraft to 4.75 Gen.
* People who say we will fight with what we have; forgetting they asked for what they have

God in heaven please let reality/logic prevail and force IAF to go to a 5th Gen. aircraft.

[Tanaji]

Its actually a deliberate plan that IAF marshals and a coterie of middle men are following. An urgency will now be created that will result in curtailment of either Mk 2 or 1b ordere and those funds will be diverted towards an emergency purchase of a 5G platform along with a 4.5 one. They will be assisted by a ruckus being made in Parliament on this issue by Pappu and gang.

Rinse and repeat. This government has truly let the middlemen make fools out of them.

[Rakesh]

The Strategic Postures of China and India: A Visual Guide
https://www.belfercenter.org/publicatio ... sual-guide
March 2020

[Rakesh]

China's 6th-generation fighter jets: Gamechanger or Propaganda? Should India Be Concerned?

On 26 December 2024, China reached a major milestone by quietly unveiling its sixth-generation stealth fighters during their inaugural test flights over Sichuan. These advanced aircraft, believed to be sixth-generation, feature groundbreaking designs, including three engines, tailless configurations, and diamond-shaped structures. This marks a significant step in China's quest for military self-sufficiency, complementing its ongoing production of J-10, J-11, J-16, and J-20 jets. With this development, China claims to have outpaced the U.S. in the arms race. But is this a global game-changer, or does it present a new global threat? Where does India stand in the face of this shift? To unpack these questions and provide an in-depth analysis of China’s revolutionary fighter jets, Foreign Affairs Editor Dr. Swasti Rao hosts a compelling discussion with retired Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat, a military veteran with 28+ years of experience as a former IAF fighter pilot who has flown both Russian and Western aircraft. Joining the conversation is ThePrint’s Defense Editor, Snehesh Alex Philip, offering sharp insights into the global and regional implications of this development. Together, they delve into the technical, strategic, and geopolitical dimensions of China’s advancements in air power.

[Rakesh]

PLA tests advanced weapons & tactics near Indian border

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has commenced joint drills in the Karakoram Mountains at the start of the new year to assess combat readiness in high-altitude and cold-weather conditions near Indian borders. The exercises feature drones, tanks, and infantry fighting vehicles, focusing on modern warfare capabilities. Meanwhile, this year’s military drills officially commenced on January 2, with troops conducting exercises across the country in diverse terrains—from the arid Gobi Desert and coastal frontlines to snow-covered plateaus and dense mountain forests.

[Rakesh]

Tailless Fighter-Like Airframe Appears At Chinese Jet Manufacturer Shenyang’s Main Plant
https://www.twz.com/air/tailless-fighte ... main-plant
07 Jan 2025

The appearance of the object comes after two new tailless heavy tactical jet designs appeared in Chinese skies on Dec 26.

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/XH_Lee23/status/1876948347682275730 ---> China sent the Y-20 transport aircraft for the earthquake rescue command to Xizang's Xigaze. This signifies a lot. Xigaze Airport is 4,316 meters above sea level, a high-plateau airport. High altitude means less oxygen and thus lower engine power. Not every aircraft can take off and land on the high plateau, especially heavy ones. Yesterday, China's Y-20 proved that it has the capability to reach high-altitude regions. In wartime, this means powerful logistics support without geographical restraint.

[srai]

^^^
Already 67 x Y-20s have been built as of 2023 …

[Rakesh]

'The Chinese Military is the Largest and Most Modern It's Ever Been,' Edwards AFB Commander Warns
https://theaviationist.com/2025/01/12/e ... -on-china/
12 Jan 2025

[Rakesh]

'The Chinese Military is the Largest and Most Modern It's Ever Been,' Edwards AFB Commander Warns
https://theaviationist.com/2025/01/12/e ... -on-china/
12 Jan 2025

A tale of two militaries --

https://x.com/KSingh_1469/status/1879118913373622774 --->

American military leaders give these warnings to wake up their decision makers. The solutions will almost all come from their own industry.

Indian military leaders give the same warnings so they can have more freedom to buy foreign toys.

[Rakesh]

What China’s Next Generation Stealth Jet Reveal Really Means
https://www.twz.com/air/what-chinas-nex ... ally-means
15 Jan 2025

[Rakesh]

New Unreported Submarine In China Leaves West Guessing
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... -guessing/
03 Feb 2025

[srai]

Quite a few Chinese Stealth next Gen aircrafts have been revealed in a very short span.

• J-20 (F-22-equivalent) -> serial production (new upgrades like Supercruise, TVC in the works)
• J-35 (JSF-equivalent) -> starting serial production 2025
• J-36 (unique 3-engine) -> first sight flying end 2024
• J-50 (carrier-borne) -> first sight flying end 2024
• H-20 (B21-equivalent) -> first sight flying early 2025

J20S w/ TVC



J-35 enters serial production



J-36



J-50



H-20

[srai]

J-20 production rate is 150/year. Rapid iterative development & mass production cycles … something IAF & GoI needs to learn or forever be left behind as a secondary power.

[srai]

J-16D - Chinese Growler



At this point, the Chinese have a “match” for every category the US has. And then some more. Scale of production and the speed of R&D are unrivaled.

[tandav]

Quite a few Chinese Stealth next Gen aircrafts have been revealed in a very short span.

• J-20 (F-22-equivalent) -> serial production (new upgrades like Supercruise, TVC in the works)
• J-35 (JSF-equivalent) -> starting serial production 2025
• J-36 (unique 3-engine) -> first sight flying end 2024
• J-50 (carrier-borne) -> first sight flying end 2024
• H-20 (B21-equivalent) -> first sight flying early 2025

The general technology gap between India and China is large 6X (difference in economy size). The significant amount of money is thrown at the cutting edge of S&T in China and a bulk of it at the MIC. The MIC capability gap may be as much as 20X.

India-China is akin to Mexico-USA the mighty Himalayas are the only major barrier for China and we have to use that defensive wall well to keep this new Golden horde at bay. Xi et al will weild their Danda just like Trump does on Mexico and other smaller nations in NOTAM/LATAM

[drnayar]

Shocking Insider Reveals: The CCP Bought US Military Gear Abandoned in Afghanistan and Cloned It 1:1

Several advanced pieces of U.S. military equipment have reportedly fallen into the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). According to whistleblower Zhao Jie, a former core employee of a Chinese defence industry contractor, the CCP has obtained a significant amount of U.S. military gear from the Taliban through high-priced transactions, diplomatic negotiations, and direct cash payments. These acquisitions were then distributed to various military research institutes in China for reverse engineering. Zhao revealed that his company was commissioned by the Luoyang Dianguang Equipment Institute, also known as Institute 613, to replicate the laser sighting system used in the U.S. military’s C-RAM defence system. This laser sighting device comprises nine components and requires an extremely high level of precision. His team struggled for four and a half months before barely managing to produce a prototype.

[Rakesh]

X-Post from the Naval Procurements & Acquisitions thread...

https://x.com/SandeepUnnithan/status/18 ... 6315531368 ---> The Manohar Parrikar conundrum in India’s submarine production. In this piece, I argue why India needs to scrap its Rs 1 lakh crore imported submarine buys (3 P-75 + 6 P-75I), double down on P-76 and learn from its Atmanirbhar N-sub line. Restart the Arihant line for a new line of SSGNs.

https://x.com/SandeepUnnithan/status/18 ... 9198645451 ---> The PLAN has 6 active SSNs vs the US Navy’s 50 active SSNs. China has launched one of the largest nuclear submarine building programs in history to address this gap. They are building four 095B SSNs a year. That’s all the nuclear submarines we’ve built in 25 years. In a decade, the PLAN will soon have enough attack submarines to spare for IOR deployments, lease to Pakistan Navy and even base in IOR. They are stacking the undersea chips. My chat with the very wise Rear Admiral Monty Khanna (retd).

China Could Deploy SSNs From Pak Bases

In this insightful conversation, Sandeep Unnithan, Editor at News9 Plus, engages with Rear Admiral Monty Khanna (retd) to discuss the growing security concerns surrounding China’s potential deployment of nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) from Pakistani bases. They explore the strategic implications, regional dynamics, and the broader geopolitical impact of such a development. Don’t miss this in-depth analysis of one of the most pressing defense issues in the region today.

[rkhanna]

(Via Reddit)

New "Vanguard" hybrid exoskeleton developed by Chinese private defense company Blood-Wing Defense undergoing testing for the PLA

Company Website:
https://www.blood-wing.com/sys-por/5.ht ... 22%3A16%7D

IMAGE:
https://preview.redd.it/new-vanguard-hy ... 2519f045f4

Amid tensions with China, Taiwan military unveils exoskeleton suit for soldiers

https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tens ... ers-426511

[srai]

^^^
Soon, every soldier armored up like Halo exosuit

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/rajatpTOI/status/1897497611306693108 ---> China hikes defence budget by 7.2% to take it over $245 billion, continues to boost military capabilities across land, air, sea, nuclear, space & cyber domains at a rapid clip. India should increase its defence budget to at least 2.5% of GDP, instead of present 1.9% ($79 billion).

[Rakesh]

Guess who provided the blueprints for the compound below?

https://x.com/dex_eve/status/1897666872952201716 ---> Well, THAT'S unexpected. China appears to have built a 1 to 1 replica of Osama Bin Laden's compound at one of their training sites outside Korla.

[Shameek]

^^ They also have half of the 'stealth' Blackhawk used in the actual operation...

[srai]

China builds ‘equivalent of Royal Navy’ in just four years

China has built the equivalent of the entire Royal Navy in just four years as Beijing races to become a global maritime power, according to a Washington-based research group.

Between 2019 and 2023, four shipyards in the country – Dalian, Guangzhou, Jiangnan and Hudong-Zhonghua – churned out at least 39 warships with a combined displacement of around 550,000 tonnes.

This is more than the Royal Navy’s battle force fleet, which includes 19 surface ships and 10 submarines and displaces around 440,000 tonnes, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

…

The huge expansion of Chinese shipbuilding, which now accounts for 53pc of the global total, also raises troubling questions for the US government, as Beijing continues to menace Taiwan, the independent island territory that it claims.

Already, the People’s Liberation Army Navy boasts more warships than the US Navy and by 2030 it is on track to have a fleet of 425, significantly higher than the 300 expected by America.

As of 2022, it operated a battle force fleet of 351 vessels compared to the US Navy’s 294, the CSIS said. However, the US held an edge in destroyers and guided missile cruisers.

China’s transformation from a “peripheral” player in shipbuilding 20 years ago to the world’s biggest producer now means it can replace ships far more quickly in a war, posing a “concerning challenge to deterrence”, the CSIS added.

“A robust shipbuilding sector signals the capacity to sustain operations during a protracted conflict, particularly one with the high losses that would almost certainly result from a full-scale US-China kinetic war,” the report said.

“Leaders in Beijing may calculate that China’s vastly greater ability to mobilise its shipbuilding ecosystem to surge production or restore and replace sunk and damaged vessels would allow it to continue a conflict to victory despite heavy losses.

“Even short of all-out war, this disparity could alter Beijing’s risk perceptions and shift escalation dynamics in unpredictable ways.

“Addressing this disparity is thus as much about preventing a war as it is about winning one.”
…
The US accounts for just 0.1pc of global shipbuilding today, with Japan having about 13pc and South Korea 29pc.
…

[srai]

Look at the top few of the list:
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh

String of Pearls strategy … in these countries PLAN have naval bases or significant basing rights. Bigger the debt more Chinese military basing rights.

Then also expanding in Africa.

Image Source: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked ... -to-china/

[Rakesh]

Twitter Thread. Please click on link below...

https://x.com/jesusfroman/status/1897565122140205129 ---> CCTV News published a report about the 'Automobile City'&'Truck Capital', in Shiyan, Hubei. Birthplace of the PLA 3rd-generation 'Dongfeng Mengshi' vehicles. According to the video, they have built >400,000 military vehicles of all types in total. Some shots of the place.

[RCase]

A Chinese J-15 crashes, adding to prior crashes. Seems like this aircraft is overweight and lower range of operations. Ejection seat also has issues. 0-0 ejection doesn't seem to work properly. A peek into the boastful claims of the Chinese carriers. Navy aircraft availability is quite low compared to other contemporary navies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKInIt1HnkQ

[tandav]

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/25/chin ... end_recirc

Quite an innovative Barge Platform developed to quickly land 100s of MBTs / Heavy Assets from vessels 800 to 900m away from the beach. These barges have extendible telescopic legs that can be lowered to the seafloor (upto 20M-50M depth it appears) to stabilize them against waves. By forming a chain of such interconnected Barges (3 connection shown in videos and pics in link above) Deeper draft commercial RO-RO or Landing ships can deliver armored vehicles to any beachhead at unprecedented rates.

Taiwan better be prepared for war anytime now.

[drnayar]

Taiwan war is just a matter of time . , its not an If.

[Rakesh]

Exclusive - 6 Airbases, 1 Big Move: China's Play Against India
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/exclusi ... ia-8225899
22 April 2025

The Indian Air Force (IAF), which has reviewed images in this report, told NDTV, ''We have our mechanisms in place, and we keep ourselves aware.''

[Rakesh]

China tests non-nuclear hydrogen bomb: Here's what it is capable of
https://www.business-standard.com/exter ... 231_1.html
20 April 2025

[Rakesh]

China completes first electromagnetic catapult launch of J-35 stealth fighter to challenge US carrier strike groups
https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/na ... ike-groups
25 April 2025

[Rakesh]

China could soon gain the lead in submarine technology
https://www.thebroadside.org.uk/p/04-20 ... technology
28 April 2025

[chetak]

^^ They also have half of the 'stealth' Blackhawk used in the actual operation...

they have got hold of the wrong half, Shameek ji.


that osama limousine was a special offshoot that was in development, more stealthed and ultra quietened, but apparently not gravity proofed enough

That's why god made more drawing boards than aircrafts

[gakakkad]

China tests non-nuclear hydrogen bomb: Here's what it is capable of
https://www.business-standard.com/exter ... 231_1.html
20 April 2025

This is benis worthy lol.