Forces: February 14, 2005

Archives

The Chinese air force is accelerating its modernization program. The Chinese air force has, a year ahead of schedule, withdrawn the J-6 (a copy of the Russian 1950s MiG-19) from service. Several air force divisions were disbanded in the process. This makes the J-7 (a Mig-21 copy) the oldest fighter in Chinese service. This is a small aircraft, nine tons max, but has been greatly upgraded over the last two decades. Most of the older J-7B models are gone, replaced by J-7E and J-7G models. These models have better engines, maneuverability and electronics. With modern air-to-air missiles, these J-7s can be quite lethal. However, the small J-7s cannot carry much fuel or many missiles (usually on two are carried). This means that you pay a very high price, to train competent pilots, to fly a short range aircraft without much firepower. There are over 600 J-7s in service. 

The 17 ton J-8 is a Chinese redesign of the MiG-21, giving it two engines and a slightly different shape. This did not work out as well as the Chinese expected. The aircraft entered service in the 1980s and has been upgraded with better electronics. Its basically a J-7 with longer range, larger payload and more resistant to damage (from being larger and having two engines.) J-8s can be used for bombing, although it can only carry about two tons of weapons. There are over 400 J-8s in service. 

Meanwhile, production of J-10 (a Chinese design using Israeli and American technology) and the J-11 (licensed copy of the Russian Su-27/30) has been accelerated. In the next few years, China appears headed for a fighter force of 600 late model J-7s, 500 J-8s, a hundred or so J-10s and 300 or more J-11s. One reason for Chinese pressure on the European Union to drop the arms embargo is so the J-7s and J-8s can be equipped with the most modern European electronics. 

 

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contribute. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   contribute   Close