China is pursuing a broad range of force-modernisation projects, including the development of an air-launched cruise missile as well as land-mobile inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the procurement of an airborne-early-warning (AEW) aircraft, and consideration of building an aircraft carrier.
The US Department of Defense's Selected Military Capabilities of the People's Republic of China review says that a decision on purchasing an AEW aircraft is expected to be taken soon. The UK's GEC and Israel Aircraft Industries are competing for the project. The continuing ballistic-missile modernisation includes a shift from liquid- to solid-fuel propulsion.
"After the turn of the century, China plans to begin production and deployment of at least one new solid-propellant intercontinental-ballistic-missile that will provide-improved mobility, survivability, accuracy and reliability," the report says.
"China is developing two new solid-fuel mobile ICBMs, the DF-31 and DF-41, which reportedly will have ranges of at least 8,000km [4,300nm] and 12,000km, respectively," the report adds.
On the air-launched cruise missile, the Pentagon says that it is likely to enter operational service early in the next century. China could develop a sea-launched version for use on submarines or surface combatants, it adds.
The report also notes China's increasing interest in acquiring a blue-water naval air capability in the shape of an aircraft carrier. It suggests, however, that China has yet to determine the timescale and the type of aircraft carrier it intends to build.
Source: Flight International
