Zhang Xiaogang Photo:mod.gov.cn

The J-10C fighter jet, KJ-500 early warning aircraft and YU-20A tanker aircraft of the PLA Air Force for the first time participated in a joint training in the UAE, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said on Thursday. Zhang said that the China-UAE joint air force training Falcon Shield 2025 was conducted from December 9 to Monday.

The participating units from China and the UAE conducted joint training through mixed grouping, organizing and carrying out exercises in subjects such as command and control simulations and air defense operations. They also engaged in in-depth exchanges on topics including night vision and nighttime combat, unmanned systems operations, and battlefield search and rescue, Zhang said. 

The Falcon Shield joint training is a flagship cooperative project between the Chinese and the UAE air forces. To date, it has been held three times, playing a significant role in promoting practical cooperation between the two sides and maintaining regional peace, the spokesperson said.

Global Times