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BULGARIAN MILITRARY
Satellite images taken on July 10 show some interesting and concerning details about China’s Hotan military airfield in Xinjiang province. Five French-made Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets were spotted at the airfield. Since there are normally six of these jets, it’s possible the sixth one was flying. However, this hasn’t been confirmed. A similar event occurred in 2023 when the UAE brought six of these fighters.
These jets are from the United Arab Emirates Air Force. along with them, there’s an A330 MRTT tanker and possibly a MALE-type drone, which might be in a nearby shelter. Both the MRTT and the drone also belong to the UAE Air Force.
The UAE Air Force’s presence is due to their participation in the Falcon Shield 2024 exercise, organized by China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force. It’s the second year in a row they’re taking part in this exercise. In 2023, they joined with Mirage 2000-9 fighters. This year, instead of a MALE drone, they brought a C-17 Globemaster III, a transport and resupply aircraft made in the U.S.
What role does the UAE Air Force play in this exercise, especially with their F-16E/F Block 60 and Mirage 2000-9 fighter-bombers? The International Institute for Strategic Studies [IISS] shed some light during the second Falcon Shield exercise, which began on July 10 at Hotan Airport in Xinjiang Province.
The US knows about the UAE’s plans to join this exercise. So, the UAE Air Force can’t land in China using their US F-16 Block 60 jets. It’s believed that Washington has stopped Abu Dhabi from deploying F-16s in China due to concerns over sensitive US technology, especially with the ongoing tensions with Taiwan, which also uses this aircraft.
This makes us wonder: Why hasn’t France done the same, considering Taiwan also flies the French Mirage 2000-5? According to IISS, there’s a strategic reason. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force [PLAAF] might use this chance to test their radar and missile systems against the Mirage 2000. This exercise could reveal insights into Chinese radar performance and missile guidance systems, depending on the specific tasks performed.
Joint exercises with Western and Chinese warplanes are happening more often now. Pakistan, a key defense partner of China, uses two main Chinese models: the JF-17 and the J-10C. The Pakistani Air Force regularly takes part in international exercises, like Spears of Victory in Saudi Arabia and the Zelzal series with Qatar.
The Spears of Victory exercises recently included participants from Bahrain, France, Greece, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, the UK, and the USA. On the other hand, the Zelzal series is a bilateral event between Pakistan and Qatar. These exercises allow Western and Chinese aircraft to work together. The Falcon Shield exercise is unique because it happens in China and directly involves the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force [PLAAF].
Hosting these exercises in China allows them to use various assets, either openly or in secret. For example, the PLAAF can use its airborne early warning [AEW] aircraft to watch the exercises. This might give insights into how China’s AEW radar systems detect foreign aircraft like the Mirage 2000.
Additionally, the joint exercises provide a chance to test the radar, electro-optical, and radio-frequency missile guidance systems of Chinese fighter jets. These exercises also test the seeker performance and detection range of the PL-10 short-range infrared air-to-air missile in different air combat scenarios.
The PLAAF has probably used its activities around Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone to test its radar and seeker systems. Air exercises offer a controlled setting where they can repeatedly test these systems.
In recent years, the UAE Air Force and China’s PLAAF have become closer. In early 2022, the UAE ordered a dozen Hongdu L-15A advanced trainer jets. By November 2023, the UAE announced that these jets were for its Al Fursan display team, replacing the older Aermacchi MB-339. Deliveries of the new jets will start in the fourth quarter of 2023. There are also talks about buying 36 more jets for advanced training or light attack missions.
The US has shown concerns about the growing ties between the UAE and China. This worry increased when the UAE chose Huawei, a Chinese company, for its 5G networks in 2019. This decision affected UAE–US talks about buying the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. The UAE Air Force also uses Chinese drones like the Wing Loong II from the Qusahwirah air base. It’s unclear if Chinese staff are helping with these drones or the new L-15A jets, but the US is keeping a close watch.
The UAE Mirage 2000-9
The UAE Mirage 2000-9 is an advanced model of the Mirage 2000, a multirole fighter jet developed by Dassault Aviation in France. This version was made to meet the needs of the United Arab Emirates Air Force [UAEAF] and includes various upgrades in its avionics, weapons, and systems to improve its combat skills and versatility.
One major upgrade in the Mirage 2000-9 is its advanced avionics. This includes a better radar system, the RDY-2, which offers enhanced detection and tracking. The jet also has an improved electronic warfare system for better protection against enemy threats. The cockpit has been updated with multifunction displays and a more user-friendly interface, which helps pilots stay aware and reduces their workload.
The Mirage 2000-9 has more weapons than the original Mirage 2000. It can carry air-to-air missiles like the MICA IR and EM, and precision bombs like the PGM 500 and Black Shaheen cruise missiles. These updates make it better at hitting different targets accurately.
The Mirage 2000-9 also has better design features. This includes stronger airframes and better flight controls, which help it maneuver better. Its engines now provide more power and efficiency, giving it a longer range and better performance.
The Mirage 2000-9 is a major upgrade from the original Mirage 2000. The enhancements make it better prepared for combat and more adaptable. While the Mirage 2000 was already a strong fighter, the 2000-9 takes its technology and capabilities much further to meet the needs of the UAEAF.