Chinese air force among the most capable, analyst says

• Source: Global Times
• [08:12 July 09 2010]
• Comments

Craig Caffrey

GT: How do you evaluate the capability of the Chinese air force? What do you think of the level of their training, and their capability of cooperation with other combat arms, especially compared with China's neighboring countries?

Caffrey: As I mentioned in my answer to the first question, the Chinese air force is already highly capable, although there are obviously elements that can be improved upon. Power projection is one of the key deficiencies at present.

Progress appears to be being made in the quality of training and the ability to conduct joint operations, and there appears to be an increasing focus upon these aspects. However, these are certainly two areas in which the Chinese air force lags far behind other leading air forces, such as the US.

Another key aspect in this regard is a lack of operational experience that can be applied to improve training and tactics. I would say at present that the air force still needs to make significant progress in these elements if it is to be considered truly without rival in the Asia-Pacific.

GT: The air forces in the Asia-Pacific region have welcomed a booming update of military aircraft. To what degree do you think it is because of China?

Caffrey: I certainly think that the enhanced capabilities of the Chinese air force will increasingly factor into the modernization plans of other air forces in the region. However, to date, I think evidence of such a trend is limited.

Fighter programs are underway in Japan and South Korea; however, these new aircraft are being acquired to replace aging fleets rather than to defend against a perceived Chinese threat.

Having said that, if you look at the trend in Europe and the US, then the number of combat aircraft operated by their air forces has been steadily decreasing over the last decade, while in Asia this has been less pronounced. This again, though, has been influenced by a general improvement in the capabilities of air forces in the region rather than specifically in response to China.

If the Chinese air force continues to improve its capabilities at the pace it has done over the last decade, then there is certainly the potential for further sales of military aircraft to neighboring countries in response. However, this would likely have to be coupled with a deterioration of relations with Beijing or a perceived increase in the assertiveness of the Chinese military in the region.