Latest news with #KJ-500
AllAfrica
7 days ago
- AllAfrica
China's fifth-gen jets sharpen edge for drone swarm war
China may be skipping the sixth-gen fighter leap—for now—and doubling down on drone swarms, loyal wingmen and stealth upgrades to supercharge its fifth-gen fight force. This month, The War Zone (TWZ) reported that China is poised to unveil its latest autonomous air combat drones, likely 'loyal wingman' types, during a high-profile military parade in September, marking the 80th anniversary of its victory over Japan. Satellite imagery from June of the Yangfang base near Beijing—routinely used for parade preparations—reveals a diverse array of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), including five tailless designs not previously identified, indicating the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) active development of manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. The push underscores China's strategic ambition to integrate unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs), like the GJ-11 Sharp Sword, and aircraft such as the J-20S and KJ-500 into a future air combat ecosystem augmented by AI-driven swarming and networked systems. Supplementary evidence, including recent flight footage and mockups at Shenyang's aircraft plant, supports China's accelerating investment in stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) and crewed-uncrewed operational integration. Underscoring this trend, TWZ notes that China's two-seat J-20S stealth fighter has likely entered operational PLA Air Force (PLAAF) service. The redesigned fuselage accommodates a second crew member, likely tasked with controlling loyal wingman drones for suppression and support in contested zones. Instead of pursuing a clean-sheet sixth-generation fighter, China appears to be enhancing existing systems by integrating autonomous loyal wingmen and AI-connected combat networks. This points to a shift toward scalable, distributed airpower built on human-machine teaming and drone swarms—raising questions about China's future trajectory in air combat and how it stacks up against US efforts under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. The Asia Times has noted that China's newly unveiled J-36 stealth fighter signals a significant advance in long-range combat capabilities. Th e tailless, triple-engine jet—reportedly the largest Chinese fighter to date—features a double-delta wing and expansive weapon bays, enabling supersonic performance and carrying heavy payloads. It features design elements that enhance overall stealth and high-altitude endurance, with diverterless supersonic inlets hinting at supercruise capability. While exact specifications remain unconfirmed, the 23-meter airframe and 7.6-meter main bay suggest potential for deep-strike missions and air dominance well beyond the First Island Chain. While Chinese media and analysts have touted the J-36 as a 'sixth-generation fighter,' the term remains loosely defined and could be exaggerated for propaganda purposes. More plausibly, the J-36 resembles a long-range fighter-bomber in the mold of Soviet and Russian designs such as the Su-34 Fullback, emphasizing payload and endurance over air-to-air dogfighting. In a potential US-China conflict over Taiwan, China's nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) might operate in heavily defended bastions, with surface and air forces committed to protecting these zones. Supporting that view, David Logan notes in a November 2023 China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI) report that should China adopt a bastion nuclear ballistic missile (SSBN) strategy instead of open-water patrols, it could position its boats in the South China Sea or Yellow Sea—with the former being more ideal, as the latter's shallow depth, maritime traffic, and physical characteristics favor anti-submarine warfare (ASuW) operations. However, Logan also points out that a bastion strategy would compel China to divert significant naval and air assets to defend its SSBNs, while precluding optimal launch positions south of the US to avoid American ballistic missile defense (BMD) coverage. He adds that Chinese SSBNs with the older, shorter-ranged JL-2 SLBM cannot strike the US from bastions in the South China Sea or Yellow Sea, although the newer JL-3 would allow such attacks. These bastions would likely become hunting grounds for US nuclear attack submarines (SSNs). A March 2025 report by the Chinese think tank South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI) highlights intensified US submarine activity in the South China Sea. It states that in 2024, the US Navy deployed at least 11 nuclear attack submarines (SSNs), including the USS Seawolf and various Los Angeles- and Virginia-class vessels. Additionally, the report notes that two guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) and one SSBN were deployed in the region, signaling a firm US deterrence posture. While US submarines threaten China's bastion strategy beneath the waves, US carrier-based fighters—or land-based aircraft operating from Japan, Taiwan, or the Philippines—would contest the airspace above. This environment would be hostile to China's long-range strike aviation, air-based nuclear deterrent platforms such as the H-6K/N strategic bomber, and anti-submarine warfare (ASuW) aircraft like the Shaanxi KQ-200. As these bastions are close to Chinese territory, a large, specialized strike fighter such as the J-36 could provide on-station fighter escort and conduct strikes against US and allied naval forces. With its size, endurance, and weapons load, the J-36 could plausibly support air defense of the bastion while threatening US naval formations beyond the First Island Chain. In this evolving force structure, China's fifth-generation aircraft, such as the J-20S, and new platforms like the J-36, may be part of a high-low mix. The J-20 may assume air superiority roles, while the J-36 could be optimized for deep-strike missions. Both would likely be supported by stealthy UCAVs such as the GJ-11 or loyal wingmen like the FH-97A to extend sensor coverage, suppress enemy air defenses or saturate targets with drone swarms. These penetrating stealth aircraft could be augmented by non-stealth platforms such as the J-15 and J-16, upgraded derivatives of the Su-27. While lacking stealth, these heavy fighters may function as 'missile trucks,' with beyond visual range (BVR) missiles like the PL-17 guided by loyal wingman drones, allowing them to engage targets from outside air defense envelopes. Meanwhile, the lower end of China's fighter mix may include multi-role platforms like the carrier-based J-35A and J-10C. These general-purpose fighters are built for contested airspace rather than deep-penetration missions, fleshing out China's layered airpower scheme. In response to these developments, the US would be well-advised to accelerate NGAD development and tightly integrate Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to stay ahead of China's MUM-T momentum and retain qualitative superiority in the air. Equally important is fast-tracking US loyal wingman drone deployment to achieve 'affordable mass,' diluting China's potential local numerical edge and improving survivability in an anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environment. Lastly, the US should intensify efforts to harden, disperse and network its forward-deployed airpower. Ensuring US and allied forces can fight, survive, and regenerate in contested conditions is critical to avoid being taken out on the ground in the opening salvos of a Taiwan contingency.
Memri
7 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
Taiwanese News Panel on Iran Purchasing Chinese Weapons: Iran Wants to Reorganize and Build a Next-Generation, Fully Chinese-Made Air Force
On July 3, 2025, GlobalNewsTW (Taiwan) posted on its YouTube channel a news panel in which one of the pundits discussed Iran purchasing Chinese weapons. He said that Iran's purchases, which include the KJ-500 radar system, along with its desire to purchase 400 J-10C aircraft, indicate that it wants to reorganize and build a next-generation, fully Chinese-made air force, rather than to prepare for any current conflict.
South China Morning Post
17-07-2025
- 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.
