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

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

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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

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