Russian expert responds to Thinking Taiwan editor on S-400



Vasily Kashin, a military commentator from the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies based in Moscow has said that the S-400 air defense system will give the People's Liberation Army the ability to control the entire airspace of Taiwan, in an article he wrote for Sputnik News in response to an article by J. Michael Cole, the Canadian chief editor of Thinking Taiwan, a media platform sponsored by Tsai Ing-wen, the chair of Taiwan's opposition Democratic Progressive Party.

In his article, Cole first questioned whether the S-400, which China has already purchased from Russia although it has not yet received it, is capable of hitting maneuvering targets at its maximum range, citing comments from Roger Cliff from the Project 2049 Institute based in Washington, "If the maximum distance a 48N6 missile can fly is 250 kilometers, the odds of it actually intercepting its target at that range are pretty minimal, unless the target flies straight and level the whole time."

Since China's S-400 will likely to be equipped with the long-range 48N6 missiles with which the S-300 is equipped, the maximum range is limited to 250 km said Cole. Besides, the deployment of the S-400 to the coast of Fujian province in Southeastern China would pose a threat to Chinese civilian and military aircraft flying in the region as well. Cole also said that the S-400 could hit PLA Air Force fighters by mistake.

"To make sure the S-400 does not engage in fratricide, Chinese planes would have to stick to certain predefined ingress and egress corridors in a missile engagement zone that extends into and probably not beyond the median line dividing the Taiwan Strait," said Cole. "Beyond that, in order to engage aircraft from the Taiwanese air force, PLA Air Force aircraft would need to have the ability to maneuver freely, at which point Chinese radars would have difficulty telling friend from foe."

Kashin agreed that Cole had made some good points, but he also said that the weaknesses of the S-400 should not be exaggerated. He said that nearly all of the air defense systems designed by the Soviet Union or Russia were designed to engage maneuvering targets at the maximum range. In reality, the Russian-built surface-to-air missile performed much better than the official statistics provided by the weapon designers, said Kashin.

Using an incident which took place in 2001 when the Ukrainian military accidentally shot down a Russian Tu-154 passenger aircraft as an example, Kashin said that the maximum range of Ukraine's S-200V air defense system is only 240 kilometers, but it was still capable of hitting a plane which was 270 kilometers away from it. Kashin said that the capability of the S-400 in conflict against Taiwan's Republic of China Air Force should not be underestimated.

As for Cole's second theory, Kashin said that it is unlikely that the PLA Air Force would deploy its fighters or bombers against targets in Taiwan during the first wave of attacks. Most of Taiwan's military facilities including runways could be wiped out by Chinese ballistic missiles. Since very few fighters will be needed to destroy the ROC Air Force, Kashin said this reduced the risk of planes being deployed and therefore friendly fire would not be an issue. Kashin added, however, that to improve its range, China needs to purchase 40N6E heavy missiles from Russia.

Equipped with only the 48N6E, 48N6E2 and 48N6E3 missiles, Kashin agreed with Cole that China's S-400 cannot reach its maximum range, which is about 400 kilometers. Kashin said that 40N6E is designed especially for the S-400 air defense system and China will need it to dominate the skies over the Taiwan Strait. After several exercises carried out by the Russian military between 2012 and 2015, the 40N6E has proven its capabilities for future combat, Kashin said.

Kashin said that Russia will not be willing to provide the 40N6E missile to any other country. However, since Beijing has become one of Moscow's most important security partners after the Ukraine crisis, there is more of a chance that Russia will provide the missile. Equipped with this missile, China could maintain an aerial blockade over Taiwan for as long as necessary.

http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclas...000043&cid=1101

What Does China Have To DO To Become THE World Power?





http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/201...he-world-power/

Carter to offer Scorpion to India under joint development plan





http://www.janes.com/article/51099/carter-...evelopment-plan

Seven Type 052D destroyers being built in Shanghai port



On April 27, satellite images were released which showed that seven Type 052D guided-missile destroyers are being built simultaneously at Shangahi's Jiangnan Shipyard, according to Beijing's Sina Military Network, a Chinese-language website covering defense news around the world.

The Type 052D is a modified version of the PLA Navy's Type 052B and Type 052C guided-missile destroyers. It is equipped with an active phased array radar system,vertical launching system and advanced air defense system which its prodecessors don't have. China has already launched six Type 052D guided-missile destroyers according to the report.

It is estimated that China will have more destroyers equipped with active phased array radar systems than Japan by 2018, according to Washington DC-based Defense News. With between 10 and 15 Type 052D guided-missile destroyers, the PLA Navy might be able to claim the second largest fleet of surface combat vessels in the Asia-Pacific, just following the US. Li Xiaojian, a Chinese expert said that the Type 052D destroyers will likely be deployed on missions to defend PLA Navy aircraft carriers in the future.

http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclas...000003&cid=1101

Five new armored vehicles on show at the Victory Parade



The Т-14 tank was developed using the Armata platform. It will enter the army as the new main battle tank for Russian ground forces.

A key feature of the Т-14 is the unmanned turret, all three crew member will sit in a special capsule at the base of the tank. The new vehicle will have a 125 mm 2A82A cannon, equipped with automatic loading, a 30 mm twin-barreled machine-gun, and also 12.7mm automatic cannon.

The technical group using the Armata platform is designed according to the modular principle, so that repairs can be made simply by replacing components with new ones. This dramatically simplifies battlefield repairs. Furthermore, all new armored vehicles can be delivered to the battlefield by airplane or train and due to the latest onboard equipment are integrated into a unified information space for automated systems management of troops and weaponry, which means that they are capable of conducting network centric warfare.

Coalition-SV

Self-propelled unit, which will replace the ACS MSTA-S, is also designed using the Armata platform. The Coalition has an unmanned combat compartment where there is an automated pneumatic loading system, which ensures a high rate of fire. The ACS is capable of hitting ground targets at a distance of 70km while in a high rate of fire mode. The new loading technology enables quick preparation for firing and can also change its deployment within a minute.



Source: Ramil Sitdikov / RIA Novosti

The main armament is located in the turret where the twin artillery guns are located as well as the ammunition and loading mechanism. The engine is placed in the rear of the vehicle.

Kurganets-25

The Kurganets-25 is a universal long-range medium class tracked platform, which is intended to be the basis of a mechanized infantry combat vehicle, landing vehicle, tracked armored personnel carrier and anti-tank self-propelled unit.

The Kurganets-25 will be the first Russian infantry combat vehicle in which the infantry will be separated from the module with the weaponry and munitions.



Source: Ramil Sitdikov / RIA Novosti

The Kurganets-25 is equipped with the Epoch unmanned combat module. It was created for the arming the new Boomerang armored vehicle. This module can be remote controlled from the commander’s terminal and the gunner is not located within the armored vehicle. Armaments include a 30 mm automatic cannon 2А42, paired with a 7.62 mm machine fun and an anti-tank missile system Kornet-EM (four missiles from two launchers at the sides of the turret).

Bumerang

The Bumerang is a medium class wheeled unified platform, which will be the basis for a whole range of combat and auxiliary vehicles.



Source: Ramil Sitdikov / RIA Novosti

The Bumerang wheeled platform should become a single main platform for the creation of combat vehicles (mechanized infantry vehicles, armored vehicles, wheeled tanks, and also the chasse for special purpose equipment). The Bumerang is an 8x8 wheeled vehicle with a remotely controlled weapons module and ceramic armor. When equipped as a light or medium vehicle it can cross water obstacles.

Typhoon

A Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle the Typhoon class comes as a 6×6 and 4×4 wheeled vehicle for transporting infantry.



Source: Alexey Filippov / RIA Novosti

The vehicle is guaranteed to withstand an explosion beneath its wheels or body with a charge the equivalent of 8 kg of explosives. The combined steel and ceramic armor can withstand armor penetrating B-32 bullets.

The vehicle weighs 25 tons and is equipped with a 450 horsepower engine, automatic transmission and can transport 16 marines. Furthermore, the vehicle has the CICS GALS-D1M monitoring system for observing and regulating the engine’s operation, calculating the vehicle’s roll, slope of the road, speed and to determine its location.

http://in.rbth.com/economics/2015/05/02/fi...rade_42929.html

Australian military receives JDAM-ER wing kits



CANBERRA, Australia, April 30 (UPI) -- The Australian Air Force Thursday accepted the first production set of Australian designed and made JDAM extended range wing kits.

The kits, strapped onto a bomb equipped with Joint Direct Attack Munition kits, which convert a free-fall bomb into a precision glide munition, extends the weapon's range.

The technology was developed in collaboration with Boeing of the United States.

"This successful project has taken an Australian idea and through an international collaboration, has turned it into a reality," said Rear Admiral Tony Dalton, head of Australia's Defense Materiel Organization's Helicopter Systems and Guided Weapons Division. "These range extending wing kits almost triple the baseline range of the current smart JDAM bombs, which is 15 nautical miles.

"These wing kits were developed by the Defense Science and Technology Organization and are being manufactured by Ferra Engineering under contract to Boeing."

Boeing produced the kits delivered to Australia at a Ferra Engineering facility.

The Australian Department of Defense said test and evaluation flight trials of the new extended range smart bomb were successfully conducted at Woomera, Australia, in December last year, with the weapons landing within yards of their designated targets.

http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-.../9161430422519/

China's pirate patrol submarine is too noisy, say naval experts



China's recent deployment of a nuclear submarine for an antipiracy mission in the Gulf of Aden may have caused unease among its neighbours, but naval experts say the Type 091 vessel is unlikely to pose any real threat because of the noise it generates.

The experts say the international community should instead keep an eye on China's quieter, more advanced diesel-driven submarines.

CCTV's military channel last Sunday reported that a nuclear submarine from the People's Liberation Army Navy had completed a two-month escort mission in the pirate-infested waters of the Gulf of Aden, and returned to its base in Qingdao , Shandong province.

The report did not specify the type of submarine used, but commentators said the footage suggested it was an updated version of a Type 091 submarine.

It was the first time state media had confirmed China was deploying nuclear submarines for anti-piracy missions in the seas between Yemen and Somalia, although it had long been suggested by overseas media.

"CCTV's report … shows that the PLA Navy really wants to improve its transparency in answer to US criticism [that it was not being transparent enough]," Macau-based military expert Antony Wong Dong said.

"But the key reason that pushed the PLA Navy to increase its transparency is because the Type 091 subs are so easily detected by the US navy, although CCTV did not report this."

The Type 091, which the US calls a Han-class submarine, is designed to seek out and destroy enemy vessels in deep waters.

A March 2007 issue of Seapower Magazine - an official publication of the Navy League of the US - referred to such vessels as "relatively noisy submarines based on 1950s and 1960s technology", although it admitted the models had benefited from several upgrades over the years.

Belgian naval analyst Frederik Van Lokeren wrote on his blog that the Type 091 had "no combat value and can only be … used for training purposes".

But Beijing-based naval expert Li Jie said China had spared no effort to reduce its noise problem, developing several improved versions over the four decades since the first generation of the nuclear submarine was launched in December 1970.

"The PLA Navy now has Type 092, and 093 and 094 ballistic-missile subs that are more advanced than the Type 091 series," Li said.

"The navy's trials in the past two decades showed that Type 091 subs were not as noisy as the US media described, although we should recognise that the decibel level of the Type 091 subs is not as [low] as US samegeneration vessels like USS Ohio nuclear subs."

Li said even though they were about 20 years behind US vessels, the Type 091 submarines still posed a threat to US aircraft carriers.

During the 1996 Taiwan Strait crisis, two PLA Navy Type 091 submarines tracked two aircraft carrier groups led by the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Independence. He said they pushed the US carriers back 200 miles.

Macau-based naval expert Wong said while China's more advanced Type 093 vessels had yet to overcome their noise problems, the PLA Navy's diesel-electric submarines had achieved an advantage that could pose a significant threat to the international community.

"China's diesel-powered subs have reached international standard … They are equipped with air-independent propulsion and can remain silent during underwater ambushes," Wong said.

In October 1995, a Type 039 Song-class diesel-powered submarine sailed close to the USS Independence carrier group without being detected by the US navy until it suddenly surfaced from the waters near the Taiwan Strait, according to a documentary broadcast by Guangdong Satellite TV last month.

The elusiveness of Type 039 vessels has helped China increase its share of the weapons market. Last month, Pakistan's media reported that the country would buy eight such submarines for US$5 billion, making it China's largest single sale of submarines.

http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-d...noisy-say-naval

Legend Reborn: Soviet WWII Tank Hunter SU-100 is Restored



Read more: http://sputniknews.com/videoclub/20150502/...l#ixzz3Z3EdUqA1

M339 shell has become the principal munition for Merkava tanks.



Israel Military Industries (IMI) is to display this week a tank shell that was first used operationally during last summer’s Gaza conflict, and which has been selected by a number of international military forces for urban operations.

During the Ground Forces Conference, organized by Israel Defense magazine and set to begin in Latrun on Monday, IMI intends to display the M339 tank shell – currently the principal round for the IDF Armored Corps’ Merkava Mk. 3 and Mk. 4 tanks.

The M339 round was first used operationally during Operation Protective Edge last summer in Gaza. According to IMI, it enables “main battle tanks to participate in urban warfare without causing excessive collateral damage.”

A member of the High Explosive, Multi-Purpose Tracer (HE-MP-T) family, the shell was designed jointly with the Defense Ministry’s Merkava Development Administration and the IDF Ground Forces.

It is “highly effective against enemy targets within buildings, particularly in built-up areas,” IMI said.

The shell is fired with high precision and even a single shot can neutralize an enemy cell hiding inside buildings, while “significantly decreasing the harm of noncombatants,” said IMI.

The defense company said the weapon is the “primary tank gun shell for use in urban and complex terrain. The new projectile address operational gaps realized during combat operations in 2006 and 2012.”

“Fitted with a smart, tri-modal fuse, the M-339 can explode on impact, or pass through a wall and detonate inside the target, thus maximizing lethality within the target area while minimizing collateral damage outside. It can also use delayed detonation,” said the company.

http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/IMI-to-di...conflict-400994

Iran Builds Simulators for S-200, Hag, Rapier Missiles



"We used to have only 12 simulators for the S-200 missile systems, but we now have 150 simulators for heavy missile systems and as many for light missile systems," Deputy Commander of Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base for Training General Mohammad Qorbani told FARS news agency.

He added that the country's armed forces were now using a total of 300 various weapons simulators.

In 2013, Iran unveiled several pilot training simulators, a new maritime training simulator and launched its first mobile simulator for the Iran-140 planes, all domestically made.

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20150505/1021723427.html

New military headset combines night vision and LIVE thermal video from the barrel of a gun



The new headset blends a live thermal image feed with the standard night vision goggles
Night vision and thermal imaging play a crucial role in modern warfare.

The former provides soldiers with situational awareness – illuminating their surroundings during nighttime operations or in the midst of heavy smoke or bad weather.

Thermal weapon sight – which is mounted to the weapon – helps sharpshooters quickly spot a target in poor visibility.

Until now, soldiers have been forced to carry both technologies into the battlefield. But that could be about to change.

Defence technology and military support firm BAE Systems this morning announced a new type of headset which would combines night vision and thermal weapon sights.

An illustration from BAE Systems demonstrates how the new technology could work in the battlefield BAE SYSTEMS

An illustration from BAE Systems demonstrates how the new technology could work in the battlefield
It is critical for soldiers to be able to quickly locate and identify targets
BAE Systems announcement
"It is critical for soldiers to be able to quickly locate and identify targets," the announcement from BAE reads.

"On today's battlefield, this slower [two optic] approach, which is often further hampered by heavy smoke or bad weather, compromises soldiers' safety and can reduce mission effectiveness.

"By integrating night vision and thermal targeting capabilities into one sight displayed on the soldiers' goggles, BAE Systems' new solution allows troops to more easily acquire targets and engage faster."

The new goggles will reportedly stream a live video feed from the thermal weapon sight using bluetooth.

At the flick of a switch, warfighters will be able to toggle between the night vision view of their surroundings – to the thermal sight of their weapon.

BAE Sytems released an illustration of the new technology which shows the crosshairs of the thermal weapon sight overlaid on the soldier's night vision view.

The announcement, which was posted on the firms' website, read: "BAE Systems has developed a wireless video interface between the weapon sight and goggle so imagery from the weapon sight will be transmitted to the goggle and viewed via the goggle display in real time.

"This RTA capability eliminates the need for soldiers to rely on aiming lasers, so they are able to remain covert.

"Weapon sight imagery is viewed by the soldier in his goggle which shortens the engagement timeline."

The US Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate recently awarded BAE Systems a five-year contract worth some $434million (some £287million) to continue work on the military optic.

BAE Systems has yet to announced a release date or price for the finished headset.

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/scienc...al-Weapon-Sight

China to Become World’s Largest Maker, Exporter of Military Drones by 2023: Research



Findings by a research institute revealed that China’s aviation industry could possibly become the world’s largest marker and exporter of military drones by 2023, when the value for military drones is expected to grow to $2.3 billion.

A report by Reuters published on April 29 said that China's open export policies on weapons and the lower prices contributed to the initial success in the sales of Chinese military drones to countries having difficulty dealing with Western states such as the U.S. and Israel.

The report said that despite China's limited success in exported manned military aircraft, the lower entry threshold produced more favorable results.

Some leading Chinese manufacturers were reportedly trying to catch up with their Western competitors, the report added.

"Demand for all our products has shot up, simply because the world has become more chaotic," Yun Jianfei, chief of Beijing Heweiyontai Science and Technology, said in the report.

The report also compared the price of a Chinese-made military drone with one made by the U.S. It said that the Wing Loong drone costs $1 million, while the U.S.-made MQ-9 Reaper, which is similar in appearance to the Chinese drone, is being sold at around $30 million.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said that China became the second country in the world to openly export armed military drones after it sold five Chinese-made units to Nigeria last year.

Sina reported that the country sold more than 200 units of the Rainbow, a military drone series developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) to nine nations that included Egypt and Pakistan.

http://en.yibada.com/articles/31027/201505...tary-drones.htm

Is China Planning To Build More Missile Submarines





http://isnblog.ethz.ch/defense/is-china-pl...sile-submarines

Unmanned cargo chopper shows off its search-and-rescue talents



Unmanned cargo chopper shows off its search-and-rescue talents

Hot Hook-Up

For three years between 2011 and 2014, the unmanned Kamen K-Max 1200 helicopter delivered more than 4.5 million tons of supplies to the most dangerous and far-flung US Forward Operating Bases throughout Afghanistan. It followed that feat up in 2014 by demonstrating its ability to coordinate with other UAVs in forest fire suppression operations. And in March of this year, the semi-autonomous helicopter once again proved that it can integrate operations with land-based drones to locate, identify and evacuate people stranded in desolate areas -- all without putting more lives at risk.

DRONE HELICOPTER

March's demonstration reportedly started with an injured party sending out a distress signal to first responders. But rather climb through rough terrain, they instead send in a remote-controlled ground vehicle to assess the situation as well as the patient. Once the patient has been positively identified, operators on the ground employ a tablet to instruct the K-Max as where to land. After the K-Max has set down, the injured party is belted into a bench on the aircraft's exterior bench seat and flown to safety.

This is primarily being developed as a means of quickly pulling injured military personnel out of combat areas but could just as easily be adapted to similar civilian uses, like extracting injured backwoods hikers. Being strapped to the exterior of a remote controlled helicopter zipping along at 92 MPH may sound like a terrifying method of medical evacuation, but it's certainly better (and faster) than having your buddies carry you out on an impromptu stretcher.



http://www.engadget.com/2015/05/02/unmanne...rescue-talents/

US Approves Multimillion Air-to-Air Missile Sale to Indonesia and Malaysia



WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States has approved a proposed $47 million sale of air-to-air Sidewinder missiles and associated parts to Indonesia, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy objectives and national security interests of the United States by making Indonesia more capable of defeating threats to regional stability and strengthening its homeland defense,” DSCA said on Tuesday.

DSCA explained that the sale will reduce Indonesia’s reliance on the United States to intervene in Southeast Asia to maintain stability, while improving Indonesia’s interoperability with the United States.

The Sidewinder is one of the most widely utilized air-to-air combat missiles used by more than two dozen countries.

Also the United States has approved a proposed $21 million sale of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Malaysia.

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a key partner which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in Southeast Asia,” DSCA said.

The AMRAAM is a guided missile capable of hitting targets out-of-sight of firing aircraft or ground-based launchers.

Malaysia currently uses the AMRAAM on its F/A-18D aircraft. The additional missiles will act as a deterrent to regional threats and increase interoperability with the United States, DSCA said.

AMRAAM is currently used by 36 countries on a number of aircraft, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

http://sputniknews.com/military/20150506/1021753680.html

How Putin's military firepower compares to the West





http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/...o-the-West.html

New AK-74M Model to Be Unveiled at Victory Day Parade in Moscow



MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Saturday's Victory Day parade in Moscow's Red Square will feature Russia's largest small arms Kalashnikov Concern manufacturer's modernized AK-74M assault rifle, according to the company.

"This modern small-arms system can be adjusted for any tactical mission and will greatly expand the weapon's potential," Sergey Urzhumtsev, deputy CEO and Chief Designer, said in a statement published Wednesday on the company's website.

Kalashnikov Concern, part of state technologies corporation Rostec, promises a 50-percent increase in the AK-74M's accuracy at a distance of up to 300 meters (328 yards). The new modification is also expected to be fitted with a 40-mm grenade launcher and a bayonet.

Kalashnikov to Implement Production Development Program by 2020, Bring in Additional $54 Mln
Plans for AK-74M's mass production are currently in final stages of development, Kalashnikov Concern's statement adds.
The May 9 parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II will feature over 16,500 servicemen, nearly 200 units of military equipment and about 140 helicopters and planes.

Other military equipment to be unveiled at the parade include a new-generation Armata main battle tank with an unmanned remotely-controlled turret; the fifth-generation RS-24 Yars (NATO reporting name SS-29) intercontinental ballistic missile; high-end armored personnel carriers; high-precision self-propelled artillery systems; as well as the famous Sukhoi Su-30 (Flanker-C) and Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E) fighter jets.

http://sputniknews.com/military/20150507/1021803100.html

Japan prepares to deploy troops on Miyako and Ishigaki



After the finalization of new guidelines for defense cooperation between the United States and Japan, Tokyo is ready to deploy its Self-Defense Force to the Okinawa islands of Miyako and Ishigaki to face potential Chinese maritime expansion in the East China Sea, the Nippon Hoso Kyokai reports.

Japan wants to deploy troops to the two islands as a response to the now routine patrols by Chinese maritime security ships in the disputed East China Sea after the Japanese government nationalized the Diaoyutai islands (Senkaku to Japan, Diaoyu to China) in 2012. Japan will deploy a radar station to the western part of Yonaguni, only 110 kilometers away from Hualien on Taiwan's east coast, to monitor PLA naval movements.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force also plans to establish an amphibious fighting force modeled after the US Marine Corps at Sasebo in the next three years. Furthermore, a 500-men garrison will be sent to Amami Oshima before 2018. The Japanese defense ministry believes that the deployment of military units to offshore islands can strengthen the nation's capability to respond to a surprise PLA assault against the Diaoyutai.

Meanwhile, Moscow newspaper Vzglyad has taken note of a new PLA submarine in South China Sea that is likely to be the new type of Type 093 Shang-class nuclear-powered attack submarine known as the Type 093G. The sub was deployed to Hainan Island together with Type 094 Jin-class ballistic missile submarines. The paper said the sub, with the ability to carry up to 24 missiles, presents a potent threat to Japan, Vietnam, India and other nations in the region.

http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclas...=20150507000145

China Warns Philippines Military to Stay Away from Disputed Territory



China Warns Philippines Military to Stay Away from Disputed Territory

"As we were conducting routine maritime air patrols and flying in international airspace, our air force aircraft were challenged over the radio," Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez told a Senate hearing in Manila on Thursday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reviews Japan Self-Defense Forces' F-15J fighter jets at Hyakuri Air Base.
© AP Photo/ Eugene Hoshiko
US, Japan Prepare Joint Air Patrols in South China Sea
Lopez, commander of the Philippine Western Command, said the pilots ignored the warnings, replying that they are navigating international space.

While Lopez did not provide a timeframe, another senior Philippine air force official who asked to not be identified told Reuters that the six warnings had come in the past three months.

That official added that China could be "testing the waters" to see if it can enforce an air exclusion zone above the Spratly archipelago of the South China Sea, where multiple countries have overlapping territorial claims.

Recent satellite images show China has made rapid progress in reclaiming land around seven reefs it occupies in the Spratlys, including building what appears to be an airstrip on one of the artificial islands, Reuters reported.

"The Chinese said our planes were in their military security area," Vice Admiral Lopez told senators.

In late 2013, China imposed an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), in which aircraft are supposed to identify themselves to Chinese authorities, above the East China Sea. The United States and Japan condemned the move.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China had every right to set up ADIZs if it so wished. The situation in the South China Sea is stable, she added, and China and Southeast Asian countries want peace there.

"Under these conditions, I think that individuals hyping up an ADIZ, that China possibly wants to set one up in the South China Sea, this obviously has ulterior motives," she said.

On April 19, a Chinese warship challenged a Philippine air force plane that was approaching Subi Reef, which is part of the Spratlys. The pilot reported hearing the radio message: "Foreign airplane, you are approaching my military security area, please go away quickly in order to avoid misjudgment."

Lopez said China had expanded the seven reefs it occupies from a few thousand square meters to up to 11 hectares (27 acres) in artificial islands, including two areas close to the Philippine-held Thitu Island, Reuters reported.

China has denied accusations its actions are provocative, and even recently accused the Philippines, Vietnam and others of carrying out illegal building work in the South China Sea.

The US military commander for Asia, Admiral Samuel Locklear, said last month that China could eventually deploy radar and missile systems on its outposts that could be used to enforce an exclusion zone should it move to declare one.

Beijing claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also have overlapping claims.

http://sputniknews.com/asia/20150507/1021843763.html