Turkey FD-2000 Defense Missile Deal IS A Victory For China

Expressed serious concern over Turkey's decision to purchase the FD-2000 Missile Defense System from China — the export version of China's HQ-9 surface-to-air missile — from a Chinese firm, citing that the system would not be compatible with those of Turkey's other NATO allies. However, the sale symbolizes a victory for China's defense industry even if it does not go through, reported by the International Media Organizations.

NATO secretary-general Anders Fogh Rasmussen requested Turkey to reconsider the purchase of the FD-2000  saying he expects Turkey to choose a system that is compatible with those of other allies. Some observers claim that the US and NATO are in fact  seriously concerned over the deal because China may be able to steal critical information if the FD-2000 is able to be connected with the US-built Patriot air defense missiles deployed to the Turkish border with Syria.

FD-2000 Air Defense Missile System

Others believe that whether of not Turkey will halt the US$3.4 billion missile defense deal and comply to the NATO request, it still marks a victory for Chinese defense industry. The Chinese weapons system was chosen above the US Patriot system, Russia's S-300 and the European Aster 30. Meanwhile, the FD-2000 is expected to become a popular choice for developing nations which are not NATO members with its cheaper price and technology transfer. The Chinese defense industry will now be able to use the indirect support of NATO member Turkey to expand into the overseas market the International Media Organizations said.

USAF Chief of Staff Gets a Close Lookup OF J-10 Fighter

USAF Chief of Staff With J-10

China's People's Liberation Army, is seeking to develop new exo-atmospheric interceptors

Second Artillery Corps, the strategic missile force of China's People's Liberation Army, is seeking to develop new exo-atmospheric interceptors based on advance early reconnaissance satellite system, over-the-horizon active phased array radar and missiles like the HQ-19 and HQ-26 to defend the country against attack from intercontinental ballistic missiles, reports the Moscow-based magazine.

China's new early reconnaissance satellite system will be able track an incoming missile attack launched from anywhere in the world to give the PLA 25-30 minutes to respond to an ICBM attack and 10-20 minutes for submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

 The Second Artillery Corps already has a timetable for the development of this new satellite system and it will only be a matter of time for the PLA to deploy it. In addition to the early reconnaissance satellite system, China will also rely on over-the-horizon active phased array radar will also be used to direct air defense missiles to intercept targets outside the atmosphere.

PLA Navy Preparing Counter Strategy Against US, Japanese Submarines

The challenge of facing US and Japanese submarines operating within disputed territorial waters, the People's Liberation Army Navy is preparing for a three-dimensional anti-submarine system consisted of aircraft, surface combat vessels and submarines, according to the Chinese Internet.

Meanwhile, the Tokyo-based Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force plans to increase the number of its submarines from 16 to 22 by 2021. Using Soryu-class diesel-electric submarines as an example, the paper stated that the size of the new Japanese submarines will become larger. As the first class of Japanese submarines to be equipped with air-independent propulsion system, the Soryu-class diesel-electric submarine can operate under water for nearly two weeks.

The Soryu-class is also much more powerful than its predecessors, the Harushio and Narushio-class submarines, as it is equipped with Type 89 torpedoes and UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Even though Japan is not permitted under its constitution to have its own nuclear-powered submarine, conventional submarines like the Soryu-class are already a dangerous threat to China's maritime communication lines, the paper said, adding that Japanese submarines have a longer patrol range and more powerful weapons systems.

 Gaoxin-6 anti-submarine aircraft

In addition, the United States is deploying more submarines to the Asia-Pacific region. At the US military base in Yokosuka, there are between five and six submarines under the command of the Seventh Fleet. Next year, the US will deploy four more nuclear-powered submarines to Guam, while strategic targets in China are in range of the 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles equipped by a single Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine.

To counter Chinese submarines in a potential conflict, Japan recently purchased 70 P-1 jet planes from Kawasaki Heavy Industries to replace its US-built P-3C jet. The delivery of the first two P-1 aircraft to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force took place on Mar. 26. In addition to fixed-wing aircraft, the country's new helicopter carrier, the Izumo, is able to carry 14 SH-60K anti-submarine helicopters into battle.

Chinese Six-Rotor Drones Pass Flight And Bombing Trials

China has developed a six-rotor drone made from carbon fiber which has successfully passed flying and bombing tests, according to  a state-run defense technology news website.

All three of the drones, with body, rotors and undercarriage all made with carbon fiber composite materials, were designed and manufactured by Kang Ben Company, the fourth research institute of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

The drones passed tests including vertical takeoff/landing, hovering in one place, manual flight mode and following a predetermined route. The drones also passed tests of carrying and launching missiles.

Kang Ben has continued to work on the drone's design to increase its mobility and for it to be able to be assembled and taken apart again rapidly, in order for it it to be easily transportable and more reliable.

J-20 Carried New PL-13 Missile During Recent Trials

Numerous photos emerged online earlier this year showing the J-20 — China's first generation fighter — carrying two types of missiles outside of its weapons bay during a test flight, Now it is reported that one of the missiles may be the PL-13, the nation's fifth generation air-to-air missile.

With similar capabilities to the AIM-9X missile of the United States, the J-20 carrying a PL-13 missile would be able to counter the F-22 stealth fighter in a potential air war against the United States, the paper said. The aerodynamic rudder of the PL-13 looks very similar to the Russian-built R-27, but the design of its strake wing is more like a R-77, another Russian-designed missile.

As the PL-13 can reach hypersonic speeds of Mach 5, it is nearly impossible for aircraft to evade the missile after it is launched. With a combination of the Active Phased Array Radar and the PL-13 air-to-air missile, none of the US-built fighters currently used by the Japan Air Self Defense Force is able to match the J-20 in a potential air war over the disputed Diaoyu (Diaoyutai or Senkaku) islands.

J-20 With PL-13 Missile

Li Li, a Chinese military analyst told the paper that this combination will be more powerful with the support of early warning aircraft. With the data provided by early warning aircraft such as the KJ-200 and KJ-2000, the J-20 will be able to detect the location of targets more than hundreds of kilometers away.