PACAF commander: China’s air force has limited interoperability with Russia

17th March 2022 - 23:39 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Christchurch

RSS

The KJ-500 AEW platforms can help direct long-range missiles fired from Chinese fighters onto targets. (Gordon Arthur)

While China continues to field multiple new aircraft types, the lack of military partners it can fight alongside nevertheless places Beijing at a disadvantage.

China’s air force refuses to be overawed by the technological and military prowess of the US, as it continues a steady drumbeat of introducing new aircraft types into service.

But although Beijing remains firmly aligned with Russia despite Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the ability of the militaries of the two nations to fight together remains limited.

On 14 March, the American Gen Kenneth Wilsbach, Commander of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), was interviewed by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. He was asked about the threat posed by China, and interoperability with Russia.

Wilsbach said China and Russia had performed

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Read this Article

Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account

Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
2 free stories per week
Daily news round-up email service
Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters

Create account

Unlimited Access

Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.

Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
Unlimited access to all published premium news

Start your free trial

Author

Gordon Arthur

Gordon Arthur was the Asia Pacific editor for Shephard Media. Born in Scotland and educated …

Read full bio

More from Air Warfare

IDEX 2025: Embraer pushes counter-UAV capabilities for its Super Tucano

Embraer is looking to position its Super Tucano aircraft to Middle Eastern countries at IDEX to join current customers Lebanon and Afghanistan.
IDEX 2025: China attacks the loitering munition market

At IDEX 2025, held in Abu Dhabi this week, an array of Chinese attack UAVs, primarily loitering munitions, have been on display.
IDEX 2025: Heven Drones’ Raider UAS aims for 2026 delivery date

The modular twin-fuselage, hydrogen-powered uncrewed aerial system has just been unveiled, with the company conducting final flight tests and maturing the product later this year.
Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India

The three main bidders aiming to replace India’s ageing An-32 and Il-76 transporter fleet were at Aero India to put their case, despite recent geopolitical pressures on the competition.
IDEX 2025: GA-ASI to unveil new exportable small UAS platform in June 2025

While the product remains in development, GA-ASI is looking to target the international market with a new small UAS, focusing on exportability.
IDEX 2025: Jump 20-X marks the spot for AeroVironment

AeroVironment showcased the Jump 20-X, an advancement of the company’s Jump 20 VTOL-capable fixed-wing UAV, at this year’s IDEX in Abu Dhabi.