Tag: PLA Air Force

YY-20A tanker, China
DEFENCE

YY-20A aircraft sighted—The enigma surrounding China’s 50-tanker PLAAF deepens.

On February 21, 2025, military aviation expert Andreas Rupprecht, recognized on X as @RupprechtDeino, shared an intriguing update that stirred interest within the defense analysis community. A previously unverified YY-20A tanker, identified by the serial number 20646, was captured in photographs. This discovery not only contributed to the documented inventory of China’s expanding fleet of aerial refueling aircraft but also reignited an ongoing inquiry: how … Continue reading YY-20A aircraft sighted—The enigma surrounding China’s 50-tanker PLAAF deepens.

Asif ShahidLeave a comment
J-16 fighter jet, China
DEFENCE

Chinese J-16s are currently conducting operations far into the South China Sea

Recent images of the Chinese J-16 fighter jet highlight China’s aspirations for supremacy in the South China Sea. While such images might typically lack intrigue, given that the J-16 is already familiar to Beijing’s adversaries, its deployment on the Xisha island chain signifies more than mere symbolism; it reflects a deliberate military strategy rooted in China’s ambitions. The recent stationing of Chinese J-16 fighter jets … Continue reading Chinese J-16s are currently conducting operations far into the South China Sea

Asif ShahidLeave a comment
DEFENCE

China’s J-20 has dropped its stealth features, now seen in ‘Beast Mode’ with PL-15 missiles, similar to the F-35 and Su-57

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) seems to be enhancing the firepower and combat capabilities of the J-20 stealth fighter. Recent images reveal the aircraft, known as the Mighty Dragon, in a configuration referred to as ‘beast mode,’ equipped with external PL-15 air-to-air missiles. This modification, however, compromises some of the aircraft’s stealth characteristics. This development follows sightings of U.S. F-35 and Russian … Continue reading China’s J-20 has dropped its stealth features, now seen in ‘Beast Mode’ with PL-15 missiles, similar to the F-35 and Su-57

Asif ShahidLeave a comment
DEFENCE

China has probably outfitted a new brigade with J-20 aircraft, substituting the J-11 models

There are indications that the 19th Air Brigade (AB) stationed within China‘s Central Theater Command (CTC) has begun to receive J-20 fighter jets, which would replace the older J-11 models. Although the Chinese military has not officially announced this transition, various sources, including satellite images and military observer reports, indicate that the process is progressing. The J-11s, which have served as a cornerstone of the … Continue reading China has probably outfitted a new brigade with J-20 aircraft, substituting the J-11 models

Asif ShahidLeave a comment
DEFENCE

China is constructing a large military command center called the “Super Pentagon” to enhance its defense capabilities

China is actively pursuing global dominance in critical defense and military technologies, with projections indicating that by 2049, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) will be on par with the U.S. Navy. The nation is constructing significant power symbols that could rival those of the United States. The most recent development is a wartime military command center anticipated to exceed the Pentagon in size, aiming … Continue reading China is constructing a large military command center called the “Super Pentagon” to enhance its defense capabilities

Asif ShahidLeave a comment