(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Satellite images taken on July 10 have revealed several intriguing developments at one of China’s most significant airbases, located in the Xinjiang region.
The airbase in question is Hotan Airbase.
As shown in the satellite images, five Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets were stationed at the base, with one more of the Dassault Aviation-made French fighter jets airborne.
Additionally, an A330 MRTT (Multi Role Transport Tanker), a Medium Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) drone, and two C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft were also detected at the airbase.
These Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets, A330 MRTT, C-17 Globemaster III, and the drone belong to the United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAE).
The presence of the American-made C-17 Globemaster III in China is likely disconcerting to the United States, which fears its sensitive military technology might fall into Beijing’s hands.
All these UAE Air Force assets are at Hotan Airbase to participate in a joint air exercise called “Falcon Shield 2024,” organized by the Chinese Air Force (People’s Liberation Army Air Force).
This marks the second consecutive year that the UAE Air Force is participating in this joint exercise with China.
According to several defense portals, the UAE Air Force initially intended to bring its F-16 Block 60 fighter jets to China for the “Falcon Shield” exercise but was prevented by the United States, which was concerned that the sensitive technology of the fighter jets might be compromised.
The concern arises because Taiwan also uses F-16 fighter jets.
Blocked from bringing the F-16s, the UAE Air Force instead brought French-made Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets, which France did not object to, even though Taiwan also uses Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets.
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), there is a strategic reason why France allowed the UAE Air Force to bring the Mirage 2000-9 jets to China.
The joint air exercise provides France with an opportunity to gain some insight into the capabilities of Chinese-made radar and missile tracking systems.
Hosting such air exercises allows China to utilize various assets, both openly and covertly.
For instance, the Chinese Air Force can use an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft to monitor the exercise, giving France a chance to study how China’s AEW aircraft operate in detecting “enemy” aircraft like the Mirage 2000-9.
Additionally, the exercise provides an opportunity to test the radar, electro-optical systems, and radio-frequency missile guidance systems of Chinese fighter jets.
Such air exercises can also be used to test the performance of the seeker and detection range of the Chinese-made PL-10 short-range air-to-air missile in aerial combat scenarios.
In recent years, the military relationship between China and the UAE has grown closer, raising concerns in the United States.
In February last year, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) announced that it had signed a contract with the UAE government for the sale of 12 L-15 “Hongdu” light training and fighter aircraft.
The contract also includes an option for the UAE to acquire an additional 36 L-15 aircraft in the future.
The UAE’s purchase of L-15 aircraft has strained its relationship with the United States, especially after Washington “cancelled” the sale of fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to the wealthy Gulf nation.
The Biden administration is believed to have “canceled” the F-35 sale to the UAE due to the Gulf state’s close commercial ties with Chinese telecommunications infrastructure provider Huawei concerning 5G technology.
Washington fears that China could use Huawei’s 5G technology to spy on the “secrets” of the F-35 aircraft. — DSA