From Imitation to Threat: Technological Theft or Strategic Success? The Reality of the Chinese Air Force and Its Impact on the Global Power Balance

Over the past two decades, the People's Republic of China has quietly and steadily grown into a major player in the global military aviation sector, reshaping the global power balance. China has rapidly developed its own fighter jet technology in recent years, becoming a significant actor in the global aviation industry. This development has been marked by a complex process involving inspiration from Western and Russian designs, allegations of espionage, and domestic R&D efforts.

On the global stage, on one side are superpowers pursuing a unipolar world and seeking to monopolise the defence industry, while on the other side is the People's Republic of China, which is demonstrating an ‘ethical dilemma.’ Some view Chinese-made aircraft as Robin Hood-like, ‘taking from the rich and giving to the poor,’ while others see them as outright espionage, and still others as the result of a successful R&D process. Here are detailed information about the fighter jets produced by China:

Featured Chinese Fighter Jet Models and Similarities

China's modern fighter jet fleet includes aircraft from various generations and with different mission profiles. The most well-known models are as follows:

Chengdu J-20

Type: Fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.

Similarities: It is often noted for its resemblance to the US F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Its radar cross-section (RCS) and overall aerodynamic design are often compared to these aircraft. Some Western observers claim that the J-20's design draws inspiration from F-22 technology. It also shares similarities in fuselage design with the Russian MiG-1.44 prototype, which made its first flight in 2000 but had its project later cancelled.

Features: A multi-role aircraft capable of performing air superiority, air defence, and ground attack missions. It is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an advanced digital cockpit, and high-capacity data links.

Shenyang FC-31 / J-35:

Type: Fifth-generation, stealth multi-role fighter aircraft. It is specifically developed for aircraft carrier-based operations.

Similarities: Known for its resemblance to the U.S. F-35. The first prototype was named FC-31 Gyrfalcon, and a carrier-based version later developed under the name J-35.

Features: Possesses stealth capabilities similar to the J-20 and is expected to become the primary fighter aircraft for Chinese aircraft carriers in the future.

Chengdu J-10

Type: Fourth-generation, single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft.

Similarities: Often compared to the American F-16 and Israel's cancelled Lavi project. While China claims the design was inspired by its own Chengdu J-9 project, allegations of collaboration with Israeli technology have been circulating behind the scenes.

Features: One of the main combat aircraft of the Chinese Air Force, used for air superiority and ground attack missions.

Shenyang J-11 / J-15 / J-16:

Type: Fourth-generation fighter aircraft. The J-11 and J-16 are land-based, while the J-15 is carrier-based.

Similarities: Derivatives of the Russian Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker series aircraft. The J-11, in particular, began as a licensed copy of the Su-27, with subsequent variants such as the J-15 (similar to the Su-33) and J-16 (similar to the Su-30) developed later.

Strategic Bomber H-6:

Type: Strategic heavy bomber

Similarities: It is similar to the Tupolev Tu-16 ‘Badger’ bomber designed during the Soviet era. In fact, it is more than just similar; the H-6 was produced as a licensed copy of the Tu-16. In the late 1950s, as part of military cooperation between China and the Soviet Union, the technology and licence rights necessary for the production of Tu-16 bomber aircraft were transferred to China. Under this agreement, the first Tu-16s were sent to China in disassembled form and assembled there. Subsequently, the Xian Aircraft Industry Company began producing this aircraft under the name ‘H-6’ at its own facilities.

Where and how did the Chinese obtain aerospace technology?

The development of China's fighter jet technology has been fuelled by several main sources:

1-Reverse Engineering and Espionage Allegations:

It is alleged that China has engaged in reverse engineering and cyber espionage activities to copy Western and Russian military technologies. There are strong claims that cyber attacks targeting the F-35 programme and the data obtained (allegedly including the complete blueprints) were used in the development of aircraft such as the J-20 and FC-31.

2-Licensed Production and Transfers:

In the past, China obtained significant technology transfers by producing aircraft such as the Su-27 under licence from Russia. The knowledge gained during this process formed the basis for domestic designs. However, developing their own variants outside the scope of licence agreements has occasionally led to tensions with Russia.

3-Domestic R&D and Innovation:

China has significantly enhanced its R&D capabilities in recent years. They are making substantial investments in engine technologies (WS-10, WS-15) and avionics systems. The use of artificial intelligence technology in new fighter jet designs demonstrates their progress in this field.

4-Employment of Foreign Experts:

They have hired foreign military and aviation experts at high salaries to transfer knowledge and experience.

What is a Blueprint and Where Did the Chinese Obtain the Blueprints for Russian Aircraft?

A blueprint contains comprehensive information on how each part of an aircraft is manufactured and assembled.

While there is no definitive evidence on how China obtained the blueprints for Russian aircraft, various claims and speculations exist on the matter.

5-Licensing Agreements and Ethical Boundaries:

China signed an agreement with Russia in 1996 to produce the Su-27 fighter jet under licence. This agreement can be considered one of the most significant turning points in Chinese aviation history. It is natural that China gained access to detailed technical drawings and production information under this agreement. However, it has been claimed that China used this information to develop its own variants (such as the J-11 and J-15) beyond the terms of the agreement, and even attempted to export them without Russia's permission. This situation has increased Russia's distrust of China and led to the establishment of intelligence units.

6-Cyber Espionage and Intelligence Activities:

It is widely alleged that China has conducted extensive cyber espionage activities targeting both Western and Russian defence industries. It is believed that through these activities, China has gained illegal access to sensitive military information, designs, and technological data. In particular, there are reports that units such as the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) view Beijing as a ‘serious security threat’ in relation to initiatives involving agreements between Russia and China that include sensitive war technologies.

7-Personnel and Information Theft:

It is also possible that individuals who could leak information from the Russian defence industry or military institutions have been hired or have gained access to sensitive documents such as blueprints through espionage activities.

The effectiveness of a combat aircraft is directly proportional to the ammunition it carries. China has also made significant progress in this area. Therefore, rather than detailing the Chinese Air Force's extensive range of ammunition in my article, I think it is more appropriate to provide a brief summary.

The successes achieved in air-to-air missiles in the Pakistan-India conflicts are particularly noteworthy. With a range exceeding 200 kilometres and features such as a two-way data link, the PL-15 is seen as a serious rival to its Western counterpart, the AIM-120 AMRAAM. According to some analyses, the PL-15's range even surpasses that of current Western missiles, providing China with a significant advantage in beyond-visual-range (BVR) air combat. For shorter-range missions, high-manoeuvrability infrared-guided missiles like the PL-10 (equivalent to the AIM-9X) have been developed. In terms of air-to-ground munitions, China's arsenal is quite diverse. Smart munitions such as laser-guided bombs, GPS/INS-guided bombs, and gliding winged bombs can be effectively used by platforms such as the J-10, J-16, and H-6.

In conclusion, China's fighter jet technology has been shaped by a combination of its own domestic R&D efforts, transfers and adaptations of Western and Russian technologies, and alleged espionage activities. This has made China an important player in global military aviation, while also causing tensions in international relations from time to time. Regardless of the method used, China's current position and its ability to find markets, especially in Asian countries, indicate that the People's Republic of China will be one of the world's power centres in the near future. Additionally, the Chinese Air Force (PLAAF), which has achieved production capabilities spanning a wide range of capabilities, from next-generation fighter jets to advanced munitions and strategic bombers, has already established itself as a global actor rather than merely a regional power, a fact acknowledged by global authorities.