16 h. ago Potential Taiwan clash on the line as PLA, US military develop new fighter jets

America’s view of China as a “pacing threat” has shaped its defence priorities as the military seeks to maintain an edge over a rapidly modernising PLA. In the second of a three-part series on how US budget tensions will affect efforts to deter China, we look at the race for air superiority. The high-stakes race for air superiority between China and the United States will have profound implications should a conflict break out – including how a war over Taiwan would be fought. Both militaries are...

Events

25 h. ago Philippines eyes multirole fighter jets for ‘credible deterrence’ against China

The Philippines must acquire more advanced fighter jets – and soon – to build a “niche air force” capable of credible deterrence against Chinese intrusions, its air force chief has said, as Manila weighs whether to pursue US-made F-16s or Sweden’s Gripen. Manila last month signed a US$700 million deal to acquire 12 additional FA-50 light combat aircraft from South Korea, expanding the Philippine Air Force (PAF)’s fleet to 24 by the end of the decade. These upgraded models will come with enhanced...

Politics

47 h. ago China scrambles fighter jets in response to purported airspace violation: Is Beijing turning military fiction into defence market propaganda?

China scrambles fighter jets in response to purported airspace violation: Is Beijing turning military fiction into defence market propaganda?  OpIndia

Events

48 h. ago China Reveals Fighter Jets Expelled Foreign Military Aircraft

China Reveals Fighter Jets Expelled Foreign Military Aircraft  Newsweek

Events

9 d. ago Can China’s fighter jets win over sceptical European aircraft buyers?

For European fighter jet buyers looking for ways to spend growing military budgets, the Paris Air Show offered no shortage of aircraft options. Dassault Aviation was out in force with the Rafale, one of France’s bestselling military aircraft, as were US aerospace giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin with their offerings. Away from the main exhibition venue, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation gave a glimpse of its country’s advanced military aircraft, presenting scale models...

Politics

2 w. ago Japan warns of collision risks after Chinese fighter jet manoeuvres

Japan has expressed serious concerns to Beijing through diplomatic and defence channels after a Chinese fighter jet from the aircraft carrier Shandong made “abnormal approaches” to a Japanese patrol aircraft over the Pacific Ocean. In a statement, Tokyo’s defence ministry said a J-15 fighter shadowed its P-3C patrol aircraft operating over the Pacific for about 40 minutes from 10.30am on Saturday and again for around 80 minutes from 2pm on Sunday. The ministry said the Chinese fighter approached...

Events

2 w. ago Japan Says Chinese Fighter Jet Flew Too Close to Its Military Plane

Japan Says Chinese Fighter Jet Flew Too Close to Its Military Plane  The New York Times

Events

3 w. ago India’s landmark production of Rafale fuselages a ‘welcome’ boost for defence

France’s Dassault Aviation will manufacture the main body section of its Rafale multirole fighter jets in India – the first time production has taken place outside France – in a move analysts say marks a strategic milestone in New Delhi’s push for defence self-reliance amid growing pressure to modernise its ageing air force. The fuselage of the Rafale fighter aircraft will be produced through a partnership with India’s Tata group, as part of a broader effort to expand domestic manufacturing of...

Politics

3 w. ago John Lee exclusive interview, Chinese rethink UK degrees: 5 weekend reads

We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. ‘Don’t kill your successful DNA’: Hong Kong’s John Lee on tariffs, trade war 2. ‘It’s too much’: Chinese students reconsider UK degrees as policies harden 3. Loitering with intent: Beijing’s new silent South China Sea strategy? 4. Japan grows restless for next-gen fighter jets as progress with...

Politics

3 w. ago Unpaid jets, unfinished planes: China’s 50% discounted fighter plane sale to Pakistan; citizens ask who i

Unpaid jets, unfinished planes: China’s 50% discounted fighter plane sale to Pakistan; citizens ask who i  Times of India

Politics

4 w. ago Musk’s alleged Japan child, ‘Trump and Lee Kuan Yew similar’: 7 Asia highlights

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Elon Musk’s alleged child with Japanese pop star sparks online storm in Japan 2. Meet India’s answer to Pakistan’s Chinese jets: the AMCA stealth fighter 3. Trump and Lee Kuan Yew similar in ‘common sense’ approach: Pete Hegseth 4. ‘I’m sad’: Blackpink fans in...

Politics

last month China and US exchange verbal shots, Indian food in Hong Kong: 5 weekend reads

We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. US ‘destabilising Asia-Pacific’: China fires back at Shangri-La Dialogue 2. Meet India’s answer to Pakistan’s Chinese jets: the AMCA stealth fighter 3. Bitterness reimagined: Bali bomber seeks a second chance through coffee 4. Harvard Chinese student’s graduation speech strikes a chord as Trump...

Politics

last month China and US exchange verbal shots; Hong Kong’s Indian food: 5 weekend reads

We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. US ‘destabilising Asia-Pacific’: China fires back at Shangri-La Dialogue 2. Meet India’s answer to Pakistan’s Chinese jets: the AMCA stealth fighter 3. Bitterness reimagined: Bali bomber seeks a second chance through coffee 4. Harvard Chinese student’s graduation speech strikes a chord as Trump...

Politics

last month Chinese Harvard graduate’s speech, India’s AMCA fighter jet: 5 weekend reads

We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Harvard Chinese student’s graduation speech strikes a chord as Trump leads purge 2. Meet India’s answer to Pakistan’s Chinese jets: the AMCA stealth fighter 3. Bitterness reimagined: Bali bomber seeks a second chance through coffee 4. US ‘destabilising Asia-Pacific’: China fires back at...

Politics

last month China adds aerial refuelling to pilot training in move to boost combat readiness

China’s air force has introduced aerial refuelling to its pilot training programme as the People’s Liberation Army tries to step up combat readiness and long-range capabilities. The move was highlighted in a report by state broadcaster CCTV on Friday that included footage from a PLA training video. It showed instructors from the PLA Air Force’s Shijiazhuang Flight Academy piloting two J-10 fighter jets in a refuelling drill, supported by a YU-20 tanker. The J-10 – seen as China’s answer to the...

Politics