The United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) Air Force and China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force ( PLAAF ) held a second joint exercise” Falcon Sheild” in Xinjiang province which has raised concerns in the West, particularly the US.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies ( IISS)’s satellite imagery of the military exercise in China and the UAE revealed that Abu Dhabi had deployed Mirage 2000-9 fighter bombers in Beijing and also deployed more than one. Concerns over Chinese exposure to American military aircraft are raised by the implementation of fighter jets as a fresh sign of proximity with China.
The Mirage 2000 aviation are stationed at Hotan Airport differently from Chinese plane, and the Chinese air force also operates this type of aviation.
The Falcon Shield marks the second book. Some European nations and geographical friends in the Indo-Pacific were now concerned by the first book, which was seen as China’s attempt to grow its influence in the UAE and the Middle East.
Familiarisation with the Mirage 2000 and its effectiveness and functions, as well as the chance of diverse air-combat education, would be of benefit to the PLAAF.
China has access to a variety of assets either secretly or openly because it is the host country’s host country’s number nation. Chinese PLAAF airborne early warning ( AEW ) aircraft could follow the exercise, for instance, showing how effective Chinese AEW radar is in detecting the Mirage 2000.
Depending on the exercise’s opportunity, it could also assess the performance of Taiwanese fighter sensor, electro-optical methods, and radio-frequency weapon applicants.
Additionally, the exercise could test the capabilities of the China Airborne Missile Academy PL-10 ( CH-AA-9 ) imaging infrared short-range air-to-air missiles in dissimilar air combat scenarios. In addition to Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone, China has probably used its airspace to examine radar and seeker efficiency in the course of Taiwan’s air pressure responses. Compared to real-world cases, an atmosphere training offers a controlled setting for repeated models of commitments.
In recent years, the connection between the UAE Air Force and China’s security aviation sector has grown substantially, as per the IISS statement.
Concerns were raised in Washington as a result of the UAE’s decision to work with Chinese telecommunication company Huawei for its 5G network system in 2019. The UAE and the US had to talk about the UAE’s intention to purchase the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II airplane after this choice.
Also, the Emirati Air Force officially operates Foreign medium-altitude long-endurance UAVs, especially the Wing Loong II, based at Qusahwirah airport, while its F-16E/Fs are stationed abroad. Is it still unclear whether Chinese repair or support staff are involved in Wing Loong II activities. The US may need to have Chinese support personnel with the L-15A aircraft, especially in the initial stages, which would have been a possible development that the US has carefully monitored.
Washington was able to learn about the UAE’s level of independence from conducting shared activities with the PLAAF in China. This strategy is unusual among operators of US fight plane, highlighting the UAE’s strategic choices in the face of changing political dynamics.
