You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Cruise Missile Platforms<br />
bed for the indigenous WS-10A turbofan engine and perhaps even for the associated<br />
indigenous radar and fire control system as well as the PL-12 active-guided AAM. 75 The<br />
PLAAF now deploys 96 of the kit-assembled J-11A and 96 of the J-11B/BS indigenized<br />
and improved variant. Ten Su-30MKK Flanker two-seat, twin-engine multirole fighter<br />
aircraft, currently China’s most capable multirole aircraft/fighters, were received in 2000,<br />
28 in 2001, 38 in 2003, and 24 in 2004, for a total of 100 to date, 73 of which are currently<br />
in operation in the PLAAF and 24 in the PLAN. Thus, China might have obtained 268<br />
fourth-generation aircraft as early as 2004. 76<br />
The indigenous fourth-generation J-10 multirole fighter entered serial production in<br />
2006 with 216 of the A/S variant and 10 of the B variant now in service in PLAAF units.<br />
This fighter has demonstrated in-air refueling capability through publicly documented<br />
exercises. It is thought to be based on Israel’s discontinued Lavi (which itself exploited<br />
U.S. F-16 technology) and to approach the performance parameters of Washington’s F-16<br />
and the European consortium-developed Eurofighter 77 with its 125 km radar detection<br />
range and ability to fire active-guided PL-12 AAMs as well as deliver precision-guided<br />
munitions (PGMs). 78 It is capable of all-weather day/night operation, and in some performance<br />
parameters the J-10 may even approach the capabilities of the F-16 and Mirage<br />
2000. 79 China has already purchased a variety of Russian precision-guided munitions<br />
with which it might equip its aircraft, including the Kh-29 antiship missile (10 km range),<br />
Kh-31P antiradiation missile (110 to 200 km range), Kh-59ME antiship missile (115 km<br />
range), and KAB-1500 laser-guided munition. 80 The J-10 may also use YJ-81, YJ-83K,<br />
and YJ-83AK ASCMs. 81<br />
Regarding further acquisition of fixed-wing aircraft, DOD states:<br />
China continues to show interest in procuring Su-33 carrier-borne fighters from Russia.<br />
Since 2006 China and Russia had been in negotiations for the sale of 50 Su-33 Flanker-D<br />
fighters at a cost of up to $2.5 billion. These negotiations reportedly stalled after<br />
Russia refused a request from China for an initial delivery of two trial aircraft. Russian<br />
defense ministry sources confirmed that the refusal was due to findings that China had<br />
produced its own copycat version of the Su-27SK fighter jet. 82<br />
Additionally, negotiations reportedly resumed for purchase of 34 IL-76 transport<br />
aircraft and four IL-78 aerial refueling tankers. While the two sides agreed to the sale for<br />
$1.045 billion in 2005, Russia has refused to deliver the planes, citing higher manufacturing<br />
costs and concern that China’s defense industries may reverse-engineer the aircraft for<br />
indigenous production. Russia is attempting to increase the contract to $1.5 billion. Beijing<br />
has no other source for large aircraft to augment its military AEW&C capabilities. 83<br />
PLAAF analysts maintain that while cruise missiles are playing an increasing role in<br />
modern warfare, a modern, well-developed air <strong>force</strong> remains a critical arm of the military<br />
55
Change language