Latest news with #KJ-500
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
PLA offers back-to-back drill updates as Taiwan's Han Kuang exercise ramps up
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has stepped up messaging about its round-the-clock military drills conducted in an apparent response to Taiwan 's annual Han Kuang exercise For four consecutive days this week, the PLA's Eastern Theatre Command – the division responsible for overseeing the Taiwan Strait and the East China Sea – has given daily updates on cross-service military drills that appear to correspond to the exercises in Taiwan. Taiwan's 10-day Han Kuang exercise, which began on July 9 and wraps up on Friday, is the largest and longest in its 41-year history. A PLA KJ-500 early-warning aircraft crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait on Monday, according to the island's defence ministry. Photo: The details of the PLA drills were released in a way that suggests they involved coordination of various forces in the command and operations during both daytime and night activities. The exact dates of these exercises were not specified, with the PLA claiming only that they had taken place 'in recent days', but the timing of the releases matched the drills in Taiwan. The activities monitored by Taipei suggested ramped-up pressure from the PLA at around the same time. On Monday, the Eastern Theatre Command said its naval aviation wing had conducted nighttime flight training to 'further hammer the pilots' technical and tactical levels', according to a social media post. Warplane pilots reportedly used stars for navigation and simulated dogfights in complex manoeuvres.
The Print
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
China sends 20 air sorties into Taiwan's airspace
In a post on X, the ministry said, 'Overall 20 sorties of PLA aircraft in various types (including J-16, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 0730hr today. 13 out of 20 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, eastern and southwestern ADIZ in conducting air-sea joint training along with other PLAN vessels. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.' As per the MND, of the 20 aircraft, 13 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, eastern and southwestern ADIZ. Taipei: Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected 20 sorties of Chinese aircraft around its airspace. Earlier in the day, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected four Chinese naval vessels operating around its territorial waters. In a post on X, the MND said, '4 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe.' Earlier on Monday, Taiwan detected six Chinese Naval vessels around its territory. In a post on X, the MND stated, '6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe.' Meanwhile, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has strongly urged China to engage in immediate talks over its unilateral launch of the W121 flight corridor, an extension of the contested M503 route, according to Focus Taiwan. MAC officials say Beijing's latest move not only undermines prior cross-strait consensus and public opinion in Taiwan but significantly destabilises air safety in the Taiwan Strait and the surrounding Asia-Pacific region. Under International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations, any route adjustments must involve coordination with all affected airspace authorities, coordination that Taiwan says did not occur. (ANI) This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Also Read: Over 500 injured as Typhoon Danas hits southern Taiwan in rare strike
India.com
06-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
This Chinese system will let Pakistan track India's air activities, provide real time data of..., system is...
New Delhi: Pakistan has confirmed that it is going to buy KJ-500 surveillance aircraft from China after India shot down two of its three SAAB AEW&C surveillance aircraft during Operation Sindoor. The Indian S-400 air defense system made a record by shooting down a SAAB AEW&C from a distance of 314 kilometers after which Pakistan's surveillance capability has been destroyed by more than 70 percent. But now Pakistan's confirmation of the acquisition of the Chinese KJ-500 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft can pose a new strategic challenge for India. China claims that this aircraft is not just a surveillance platform but a 'flying command center', which will give Pakistan advance information about the operations of the Indian Air Force. What is KJ-500 AEW&C? KJ-500 is a state-of-the-art airborne early warning system developed by China's Shanxi Aircraft Corporation. This aircraft is based on the Y-9 transport platform and has a permanent AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar installed in it, which gives 360-degree coverage. This radar system is capable of detecting fighter jets flying at a distance of 470 kilometers or more. If China's claim is true, it will mean that Pakistan can now look deep inside Indian airspace, that too without crossing the border. If a KJ-500 is flying near Lahore, it can track air activities up to New Delhi. What are the features of KJ-500? Defense experts believe that the cost of each KJ-500 aircraft is around $300 million which is much less than the surveillance aircraft built by American Boeing. China claims that it can fly continuously for about 12 hours and it is capable of flying continuously for 5700 kilometers. Pakistani experts believe that this aircraft gets the ability to maintain constant situational awareness on disputed air corridors from the Arabian Sea to the Himalayan borders. Actually, the AEW&C platform is not limited to just seeing. Its real strategic value is seen when it connects with fighter jets, drones, missile batteries and ground control centers through a network. KJ-500 will provide Pakistan with real time data processing and command and control, which will speed up its decision-making process. What are India's preparations against China-Pakistan combination? Experts believe that the KJ-500 may trouble the Indian Air Force initially, but not for long because India has invested heavily in the defense sector and is working on many projects to strengthen its electronic warfare system. India's Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the 'Acceptance of Necessity' for the Rs 10,000 crore ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) project. This decision is a part of India's defense modernization program, under which the Air Force will get three state-of-the-art ISTAR aircraft. The specialty of these aircraft will be that they will integrate indigenous technology, sensors and electronic systems developed by DRDO along with world-class aviation platforms. India is preparing its defense much faster than Pakistan and the China-Pakistan alliance, though a matter of concern, but there is no need to be afraid.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Taiwan on alert as heightened Chinese incursions reported around strait
Taiwan 's Ministry of National Defense detected 41 Chinese aircraft and nine Chinese vessels around its territorial waters as of 6am (local time) Thursday. Of the 41 aircraft, 30 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ (Air Defence Identification Zone). In a post on X, the MND said, "41 sorties of PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 30 out of 41 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Car Novels Undo — MoNDefense (@MoNDefense) Earlier on Wednesday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected additional 25 sorties of Chinese aircraft. Out of 25 sorties, 16 crossed the median line and entered the strait's northern, central, eastern and southwestern ADIZ. Live Events In a post on X, the MND said, "Overall 25 sorties of PLA aircraft in various types (including J-16, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 0925hr today. 16 out of 25 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, eastern and southwestern ADIZ in conducting air-sea joint training along with other PLAN vessels. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." — MoNDefense (@MoNDefense) Earlier in the day, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) detected 53 Chinese aircraft and eight Chinese naval vessels operating around its territory. In a post on X, the MND said, "53 sorties of PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 37 out of 53 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." Meanwhile, the ministry stated that the Han Kuang exercises are scheduled to be held from July 9 to 18. — MoNDefense (@MoNDefense) For the first time, two of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, have simultaneously operated in the Western Pacific, crossing the second island chain in what analysts call a major strategic escalation, according to Taipei Times.
AllAfrica
12-06-2025
- Business
- AllAfrica
New heights for China's arms diplomacy in South Asia
China is arming Pakistan and Azerbaijan with high-tech fighter jets, missile shields and surveillance aircraft — a bold play to redraw the balance of power in South Asia and the Caucasus. This month, Breaking Defense reported that Pakistan confirmed China's offer of 40 fifth-generation Shenyang J-35 stealth fighters, KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft and HQ-19 air defense systems. The deal was first leaked in December 2024 and now publicly credited by Islamabad to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's diplomacy. Also known as the FC-31, the J-35 is developed for both China's air force and navy and made its debut at Airshow China 2024. It features stealth shaping similar to that of the US F-35 Lightning II. Deliveries to Pakistan are expected within the next few months. The announcement follows a separate US$4.6 billion agreement between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, in which Baku will procure 40 JF-17 fighter jets co-manufactured by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). China's defense exports to Islamabad signal deeper strategic alignment amid growing regional competition. As Pakistan pursues advanced capabilities, the deal highlights China's growing presence in global arms sales, particularly among states seeking alternatives to Western defense suppliers. Defense Security Asia notes in an article this month that the J-35, HQ-19 and KJ-500 represent a considerable leap in Pakistan's air defense capabilities. According to the report, the J-35 fifth-generation fighter armed with PL-17 missiles boasting a range of over 400 kilometers enables Pakistan to target high-value Indian aerial assets from beyond visual range. It also states that the HQ-19 system, dubbed the 'Chinese THAAD,' is designed for the high-altitude interception of intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) and hypersonic threats up to 150 kilometers above the ground, utilizing hit-to-kill technology and promising exoatmospheric defense with tracking radars that reach 1,000 kilometers. Meanwhile, Defense Security Asia mentions that the KJ-500 provides 360-degree radar coverage with its active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, tracking up to 100 targets over a 470-kilometer range while coordinating air operations through advanced electronic intelligence. China's transfer of interoperable systems reflects its approach to systems warfare, as explained by Michael Dahm in a May 2025 article for Air & Space Forces Magazine. According to Dahm, one of the most essential takeaways from the April 2025 Kashmir clash is how Pakistan integrated its Chinese-origin weapons and air defenses against India, forming an effective kill chain. Dahm says that Pakistan's J-10 downing of a prized Indian Rafale jet says more about the quality of intangible factors between the opposing sides, such as system-of-systems integration, training and tactics, rather than the capabilities of either aircraft. Azerbaijan's decision to purchase JF-17 jets co-produced by China and Pakistan marks a significant departure from its traditional arms purchases from Russia. Paul Iddon notes in an April 2024 Business Insider article that while Russia has previously marketed the Su-30SM, Su-35 and MiG-25 fighters to Azerbaijan, the former's arms exports to the latter ceased in 2019, creating a vacuum for other arms exporters, such as Turkey, Pakistan, and China, to fill. In the same article, Federico Borsari notes that, as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions, Russia's arms exports have dropped as much as 64%, according to 2024 data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Borsari also notes that the poor performance of Russian aircraft in the Russia-Ukraine war may have prompted Azerbaijan to reconsider its arms purchases from Russia. Highlighting the political aspect of Azerbaijan's decision to purchase JF-17 jets, Sebastien Roblin notes in the same article that Russia's unreliability as a supplier, along with Western concerns over Azerbaijan's human rights record and potential future conflicts with Armenia, has made Turkey, Pakistan and China ideal partners. In terms of capability, Roblin says the JF-17 is a substantial upgrade over Azerbaijan's Soviet-era MiG-29 jets, with its newer electronics and the PL-15 missile possibly giving it an edge over Armenia's Russian-made Su-30SM fighters. China's arms sales to Pakistan and Azerbaijan tie into its larger military-economic interests. Jake Rinaldi mentions in a November 2024 article for the US Army War College that China's arms exports are driven by the need to protect its economic interests, gain influence in conflict zones, enhance the capabilities of its partners, build diplomatic relationships and offset research and development costs. Importantly, Pakistan and Azerbaijan are part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global land-and-sea infrastructure project that aims to offset the latter's 'Malacca Dilemma,' a strategic weakness wherein most of its trade and fuel imports passes through the narrow waterway, leaving it vulnerable to a US blockade in the event of a conflict. In line with that, Mohit Choudhary mentions in a February 2023 article for the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs that as China's sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) straddle the Indian Ocean, China leverages economic, diplomatic and security influence in a region fraught with fragile states such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Choudhary notes that India views the Indian Ocean as its sphere of influence, and China's increasing presence in the region through dual-use port infrastructure and arms exports heightens India's sense of insecurity. Likewise, Emil Avdaliani mentions in an April 2025 South China Morning Post (SCMP) article that China's ambitions in West Asia and the Black Sea region have grown in the past years, with the strategic goal of developing the Middle Corridor, a trade route that connects Europe and China via Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, requiring significant economic and security investment. Avdaliani states that while Russia remains a significant source of military technology for Central Asia and, by extension, the Caucasus, the space for Russian arms exports is narrowing while China opens its defense industry, thereby eroding Russia's regional sphere of influence. China isn't just selling weapons. It is building alliances, projecting power and rewriting the rules of the global arms game. It is transforming arms sales into strategic tools of influence — building alliances, displacing rivals and reshaping the rules of power projection from the Indian Ocean to the Black Sea.
