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AllAfrica
24-06-2025
- Politics
- AllAfrica
China's Fujian carrier flexes mass swarm attack power
China's newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, isn't just a leap in hardware. It marks a bold shift in maritime doctrine that aims to overcome the limits of its smaller predecessors and project power far beyond the First Island Chain. This month, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, citing Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, that China's third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is on track to conduct 'deck load strikes,' a type of mass swarm attack involving the simultaneous launch of numerous aircraft. This marks the first time state media has publicly acknowledged the capability, which had previously been the subject of analyst speculation. The tactic, pioneered by the US Navy during the Vietnam War and known as an 'Alpha strike,' aims to overwhelm enemy defenses through rapid saturation, securing early detection and first-strike advantage. The CCTV report noted that Fujian's electromagnetic catapult system significantly boosts sortie rates over older ski-jump designs, laying the technical foundation for such operations. Military analyst Cao Weidong noted these strikes would push the carrier's systems to the limit, enabling it to destroy, suppress or deter enemy forces and support amphibious operations. The Fujian, launched in 2022 and undergoing steady sea trials since May 2023, is expected to be commissioned by year-end, joining the Liaoning and Shandong to form a three-carrier fleet. This fleet would significantly enhance China's naval escort and strike capabilities. The report portrays Fujian as central to a 'historic leap' in China's maritime strike capacity, with its full combat potential hinging on the success of deck load strike training. China is leveraging Fujian's deck load strike capability to overcome the limitations of its smaller carriers. This shift marks a doctrinal leap toward using large carriers as power projection tools and asymmetric counterweights to superior US naval forces under an anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) umbrella. China's smaller carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, face an offense-defense dilemma. With limited aircraft numbers, committing more jets to offense weakens defense, while holding back reduces strike power. According to China Power, the Liaoning has an air wing comprising 18-24 J-15 fighters and 17 helicopters, while its sister ship, the Shandong, has a slightly larger air wing, with four more fixed-wing aircraft and eight additional helicopters. Fujian's air wing dwarfs those of its predecessors, with China Power estimating 60 aircraft onboard, including 40 fighters, helicopters and early warning platforms. Liaoning and Shandong would be hard-pressed to mount an Alpha Strike. A December 2024 Citadel article notes that an Alpha Strike from the USS Harry S Truman consists of 36 F/A-18 E/F fighters launching 144 air-to-surface missiles, including the AGM-88 anti-radiation missile. Given Fujian's air wing and electromagnetic launch catapult, it should, on paper, be capable of generating similar airpower surges. That capability may fit within a broader asymmetric naval doctrine against more powerful US carrier battlegroups. Daniel Rice notes in a July 2024 report for the China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI) that the People's Liberation Army-Navy's (PLAN) carrier doctrine centers on a three-layer defense system, enabling blue-water operations with growing independence and reach. According to Rice, the carrier battlegroup is organized around concentric defense zones: the 'Outer Defense Zone' (185–400 kilometers) patrolled by submarines and J-15 fighters for long-range strike and ISR; the 'Middle Defense Zone' (45–185 kilometers) covered by destroyers and frigates with radar, vertical launch systems (VLS), and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) assets; and the 'Inner Defense Zone' (100 meters–45 kilometers) protected by close-in weapons and point-defense systems. Rice describes the carrier as a command hub supported by replenishment ships for sustained operations. He adds that air operations follow either 'split wave' or 'continuous' patterns, optimized for saturation strikes or persistent air presence, indicating doctrinal experimentation. Rice concludes that the PLAN's focus on layered defense, integrated air-sea coordination and logistics highlights its transition from coastal defense to power projection, with battlegroups designed to dominate maritime airspace, support amphibious landings and counter multi-domain threats. Such defenses are essential for China to push through the First Island Chain via the Miyako Strait and Bashi Channel, strategic chokepoints that Japanese anti-ship missile batteries, combat aircraft and submarines could cover. Supporting that point, China recently operated two carrier battlegroups simultaneously beyond the First Island Chain, a first with profound implications. Jennifer Parker notes in a Breaking Defense article this month that among the few countries with aircraft carriers, even fewer can deploy two simultaneously at sea. She says China's dual deployment signals growing blue-water capabilities and intent to operate beyond its near seas. However, Ben Ho writes in a September 2024 Breaking Defense article that instead of engaging US forces in a Midway-style encounter, China likely sees its carriers as 'fleets-in-being' operating within an A2/AD framework. A cornerstone of that A2/AD posture is the DF-26 anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM), also known as the 'carrier killer.' The US Department of Defense's (DOD) 2024 China Military Power Report (CMPR) describes it as a dual-capable missile with a 4,000-kilometer range, capable of threatening US carriers from deep within the Chinese mainland. The report adds it may also be capable of land-attack missions, putting US bases like Guam at risk. China's carriers could thus operate under this missile umbrella, potentially deterring US intervention in the Western Pacific. Chen Yu-fu and William Hetherington write in an October 2024 Taipei Times article that a three-carrier Chinese force could position itself 300 to 800 kilometers east of Taiwan, outside the reach of Taipei's anti-ship missiles. Chen and Hetherington argue that this posture enables China to pressure Taiwan from both the mainland and the Pacific while deterring US and allied action. With Fujian at the center of a three-carrier fleet, China is adopting a blue-water strategy that blends massed airpower, layered defense and strategic deterrence into a credible counterweight against superior US naval forces.
Express Tribune
10-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Excess power capacity
Listen to article Pakistan's power sector is mired in a tragic paradox, with citizens enduring relentless load-shedding and unaffordable bills. The nation pays Rs2.5 to Rs2.8 trillion annually to power plants that don't generate a single unit of electricity. This astronomical sum — equivalent to roughly 3% of GDP — epitomises a system where financial engineering trumps public interest, burdening consumers with costs for "capacity" that remains perpetually idle. The roots of this scandal lie in flawed power purchase agreements (PPAs) signed with independent power producers (IPPs). These contracts guarantee fixed "capacity payments" regardless of actual electricity generation, transferring all operational and market risks to the public. As Pakistan's installed capacity grew to over 46,000 MW — driven significantly by over 2,800 MW added through net metering — the utilisation of existing plants plummeted. Thermal power, though still dominant at 55.7% of the mix, remains underused in the winter due to transmission constraints and seasonal demand fluctuations — winter demand is about 12,000 MW, compared to summer demand of about 30,000 MW. Substandard transmission lines have been blamed for the failure to bring several new cost-effective plants online, notably Port Qasim, China Power and Lucky Electric. Instead, the government continues to rely on older, less efficient plants, resulting in a double whammy of unnecessary capacity payments and increased pollution. Capacity payments accounted for about 71% of the power purchase price last year and are projected to rise by one-third this year. The guaranteed payments are also a sorry example of 'socialism for the rich and capitalism for the poor', which is at the core of most of Pakistan's economic failings. Annual capacity payments exceed Pakistan's healthcare budget sixfold, and IPPs often inflate costs without fear of reprisal due to the sweetheart deals they were granted by every government over the past three decades. Meanwhile, millions of citizens are struggling to pay their inflated power bills. While some PPAs have been terminated, the government still has much work to do to rectify the situation, including grid modernisation and continuing to encourage a shift to renewables and locally-sourced fuels. It is also worth noting that in most countries, revenue from capacity payments is reinvested into infrastructure and other efficiency improvements instead of being rerouted to shareholders. Here, IPPs and distributors both have the gall to demand government intervention to improve infrastructure for which they are already receiving 'free money'. An egregious recent example saw one distributor, in response to criticism of its loadshedding policy, actually suggest that the government take over loss-making feeders while letting it reap all the profits. That such a suggestion could seriously be made is in itself a reflection of the power imbalance in the power sector.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘HIT: The Third Case' box office collections day 13: Nani's thriller mints Rs 73.61 crores
'HIT: The Third Case', the latest crime thriller starring Nani and directed by Dr. Sailesh Kolanu, continues to perform strongly at the box office. The film, which has gained widespread attention, earned approximately Rs 1.00 crore on its 13th day of release. Box Office collection details As per a report from Sacnilk, the Nani starrer has collected Rs 73.61 crores from India in 13 days. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like China Power: Washington's loss, Beijing's gain as Chinese students shun the US for SE Asia? CNA Read More Undo Meanwhile, the rough data indicate that 'HIT: The Third Case' earned around ₹2.25 crore on its 11th day, bringing its total India net collection to approximately ₹71.65 crore. The film continues to show strong audience interest, particularly in Telugu-speaking regions. On Sunday, May 11, 2025, the overall occupancy for the day was 22.13%, with evening shows drawing the highest turnout at 27.35%. A slight dip in collections After a decent performance over the second weekend, 'HIT: The Third Case' saw a dip in collections on its second Monday. The Tollywood action thriller started the day with a 12% occupancy in the morning shows, which slightly improved to 17% in the afternoon. The evening and night shows recorded 14% occupancy, bringing the average occupancy for Telugu shows on Day 12 to around 14%. With this level of turnout, the film earned approximately Rs 93 lakh on Monday, pushing its total net collection in India to ₹72.61 crore. Including taxes, the film's gross domestic total stands at ₹85.67 crore. In international markets, HIT 3 has grossed around ₹24.10 crore. This brings the worldwide gross collection to an impressive ₹109.77 crore. ETimes review 'HIT: The Third Case' has garnered attention for its intense action sequences and Nani's compelling performance. We have rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting Nani's portrayal of a relentless cop as a standout aspect of the film. The review notes that the film's raw and gritty narrative, combined with stylized visuals, offers a gripping experience for fans of dark thrillers. However, it also points out that the film's plot may feel predictable to some viewers. About the film Helmed by Sailesh Kolanu, 'HIT: The Third Case' is the third installment in the popular HIT franchise . The film stars Nani in the lead role, playing SP Arjun Sarkaar, a skilled officer in the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT) based in Visakhapatnam. The plot revolves around Arjun as he takes on a complex case involving a series of brutal murders connected to a dark web cult engaged in ritualistic killings. Supported by a talented ensemble cast including Srinidhi Shetty , Surya Sreenivas, Rao Ramesh, and Brahmaji, the film blends intense crime thriller elements with gripping action. Tease for Next Installment A mid-credits scene hints at the next film in the franchise, ' HIT: The Fourth Case ', introducing a new officer in Chennai. Hit 3 | Song - Prema Velluva
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Who is Donald Trump's 'brilliant but seriously overweight' friend from his viral story? Why everyone thinks it's Elon Musk
President Donald Trump dished out the most bizarre story as he spoke about reducing medicine prices in the US. The story is the context of why the president thought medicine prices should be controlled but it set the social media on fire as people thought the story was hilarious. Trump said US has been subsidizing other countries but paying the most for medicines. "I'll tell you a story. A friend of mine who's a businessman, very, very very top guy. Most of you would have heard of him, a highly neurotic, brilliant businessman, seriously overweight, and he takes the fat, the fat shot drug," Trump said, introducing the story. "And he called me up, and he said, 'President', he used to call me Donald, now he calls me president, so that's nice respect. But he's a rough guy, smart guy. Very successful, very rich. I wouldn't even know how we would know this, because he's got comments." 'President, could I ask you a question?' 'What?' 'I'm in London, and I just paid for this damn fat drug I take.' I said, 'it's not working.' He said, he said, 'I just paid $88, and in New York I pay $1,300. What the hell is going on?' He said, 'So I checked. And it's the same box, made in the same plant, by the same company. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like China Power: Washington's loss, Beijing's gain as Chinese students shun the US for SE Asia? CNA Read More Undo It's the identical pill that I buy in New York. And here I'm paying $88 in London. In New York, I'm paying $1,300. ' "Now, this is a great businessman so, but he's not familiar with this crazy situation that we have. But he was stunned. But it was just one of those stories. And I brought it up with the drug companies, represented by somebody who's very, very smart, good person too. And we argued about it for about half hour. And then finally he just said, because they can't justify it, he just said, 'Look, you got me.' Why does everyone think it's Elon Musk? Trump dropped enough hints that it was not Elon Musk as Musk does not call Donald Trump by name. But X users had a field day making fun of Elon Musk as he acknowledged taking Ozempic, the fat shot drug that probably Trump referred to. Also, Elon Musk is not overweight and during the election campaign, Donald Trump praised his abs. Many people said it's Robert Kiyosaki Many social media users delved deep and decoded that Trump was actually speaking about Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki who's a friend.
Express Tribune
10-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Consumers pay Rs69b for idle plants
Listen to article The inefficiencies in the country's electricity transmission system have burdened consumers with capacity payments of Rs69 billion in the quarterly tariff adjustment (QTA) for ex-Wapda distribution companies (DISCOs) for the third quarter of financial year 2024-25. Three power plants had been operating at lower capacity during the period under review, but they received Rs69 billion in capacity payments, which the electricity consumers had to pay. National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) Member (Technical) Rafique Ahmad Shaikh has pointed out inefficiencies in the country's transmission system due to which Rs69 billion was paid to three coal-fired plants in capacity charges despite extremely low utilisation. He submitted these comments in his additional note on the QTA for the third quarter of 2024-25, in which a reduction of Rs1.55 per unit was allowed to refund Rs52.6 billion to the consumers of DSICOs and K-Electric (KE) in the bills for May, June and July 2025. According to him, transmission constraints continue to limit the utilisation of several cost-effective power plants located in the southern region, notably Port Qasim, China Power and Lucky Electric. Despite their potential to provide affordable electricity, these plants reported extremely low utilisation factors – approximately 1% for Port Qasim, 10% for China Power and 0% for Lucky Electric – during the quarter. Nevertheless, they claimed substantial capacity payments amounting to Rs26.95 billion, Rs30.88 billion and Rs11.26 billion, respectively. In total, around Rs69.09 billion was claimed in capacity charges despite minimal generation. This reflects a major inefficiency in the system and underscores the urgent need to address transmission bottlenecks and improve generation dispatch practices to ensure the optimal use of the available low-cost generation resources. It is noted that the capacity claimed by DISCOs for the third quarter of FY 2024-25 amounted to Rs362.395 billion, which was significantly lower than the reference figure of Rs459.286 billion. During the same period, electricity sales stood at 19,968 gigawatt hours (GWh) compared to reference sales of 21,846 GWh in the corresponding period. Ordinarily, a decline in electricity sales would result in an upward adjustment in capacity charges due to the fixed-cost nature of capacity payments. However, during this quarter, the termination of certain power purchase agreements (PPAs) and other adjustments related to the independent power producers (IPPs) operating within the system have contributed to a reduction against the projected capacity payment. Consequently, this led to a negative adjustment in the third quarter of FY 2024-25. Although the quarterly adjustment for the third quarter decreased significantly, he said that enhanced governance and more efficient system operations could have further improved electricity sales, potentially leading to an even greater reduction in the adjustment amount. In that regard, several key observations were highlighted for consideration and focused action by the relevant stakeholders. Genco-II (Guddu old), Genco-III (TPS Muzaffargarh) and Genco-I (Jamshoro Power Company) collectively claimed capacity payments of Rs1.237 billion during the quarter – Rs469 million, Rs350 million and Rs418 million respectively – despite generating no electricity during the period. These plants are characterised by high generation costs and poor operational efficiency, with little-to-no likelihood of receiving dispatch orders from the system operator in the future, given the availability of abundant and more cost-effective surplus capacity in the system. Continuing capacity payments to such non-operational and inefficient assets imposes an unnecessary financial burden on both the power sector and end consumers. A targeted and strategic review is, therefore, essential to rationalise these expenditures and improve the overall sector efficiency.
