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Sustainability Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'China Finally Sells Record-Breaking Plane': This 130-Foot Giant Can Dump 26,000 Pounds of Water in One Jaw-Dropping Drop
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 China's AG600 is now certified as the world's largest civil seaplane, marking a significant milestone in aviation. is now certified as the world's largest civil seaplane, marking a significant milestone in aviation. 🌊 The AG600 features a dual-mode fuselage, allowing it to operate seamlessly on both land and water, enhancing its versatility . . 🇨🇳 With the ability to cover the South China Sea in under four hours from Hainan Island, the AG600 strengthens China's strategic reach . . 🔧 Designed for adaptability, the AG600 can be configured for multiple roles, making it a critical asset for modernization in aeronautics. In a groundbreaking development, China has successfully certified the AG600, the world's largest civil seaplane, for commercial use. With a wingspan of 38.8 meters and a length comparable to a Boeing 737, the AG600 marks a significant milestone in aviation. This achievement not only highlights China's advancements in aeronautics but also sets the stage for the introduction of an aircraft capable of diverse operations, from firefighting to maritime rescue. As the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) unveils this marvel, the implications for both civilian and strategic applications are vast and intriguing. The Importance of Certification: A Green Light for the AG600 Achieving the type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is a pivotal moment for the AG600. This certification confirms that the aircraft's design adheres to rigorous safety and airworthiness standards, paving the way for mass production and commercial deployment. With this endorsement, the AG600 is now fully authorized to undertake a variety of missions, ranging from disaster response to strategic maritime surveillance. The certification process, which involves meticulous testing and validation, is essential for any aircraft entering commercial service. It ensures that each unit manufactured meets stringent safety criteria, thereby safeguarding both operators and passengers. For China, this achievement underscores its growing capabilities in aerospace innovation, positioning the AG600 as a formidable tool for both civil and national objectives. This Gigantic Chinese Mothership Can Launch 100 Drones Over 4,500 Miles and Redefines the Future of High-Tech Air Combat Redefining Versatility: The AG600's Dual Capability The AG600's exceptional design allows it to operate seamlessly on both land and water. Measuring over 127 feet in length and standing 38 feet high, this amphibious aircraft can take off and land in challenging conditions, including two-meter-high waves. Such versatility is enabled by its dual-mode fuselage, which combines aircraft and boat structures. This unique feature allows the AG600 to transition effortlessly between air and sea operations. Powered by four robust WJ-6 engines, derived from the proven AI-20 series, the AG600 guarantees reliable performance even in adverse weather conditions. This capability makes it an ideal choice for diverse missions, including emergency firefighting, maritime search and rescue, and strategic surveillance. As a result, the AG600 is not only a marvel of engineering but also a critical asset for ensuring safety and security in various operational contexts. 'World's Largest War Base Exposed': Satellite Images Confirm China's Secret 1,000-Acre Military Megastructure Under Construction Strategic Reach: Impact on the South China Sea The AG600's operational range is a significant asset, enabling it to cover the entire South China Sea in under four hours from Hainan Island. This rapid response capability enhances China's presence in these contested waters, allowing for discreet yet sustained aerial operations. Such capability is invaluable for both humanitarian missions and asserting territorial sovereignty over key maritime routes. By serving as a humanitarian platform and a tool for territorial assertion, the AG600 plays a dual role in China's strategic framework. Its ability to deliver swift and effective response in critical situations underscores its importance in maintaining logistical superiority and reinforcing China's claims in these strategically vital waters. China Unleashes Next-Gen EREVs With Jaw-Dropping 870-Mile Range and Hesai LiDAR That Could Redefine Autonomous Driving Forever A Future-Ready Platform: Adaptability for the Decade Ahead The AG600 is designed with a forward-thinking approach, offering modular configurations to meet evolving needs. As part of China's broader aeronautics modernization plan, the AG600 complements other key aircraft like the Y-20 transport plane and the C919 commercial jet. It can be adapted for a variety of roles, including transporting emergency supplies, deploying up to 26,455 pounds of water for firefighting, conducting environmental reconnaissance, and surveying natural resources. This adaptability ensures that the AG600 remains relevant across multiple domains, addressing the comprehensive operational requirements of the state. Its integration into China's aviation fleet signifies a commitment to maintaining a versatile and resilient air force capable of responding to diverse challenges. As the AG600 prepares to make its mark in the aviation industry, one can't help but wonder how this innovation will influence global aerospace trends. Will the AG600 inspire other nations to develop similar versatile aircraft, or will it remain a unique asset in China's aviation arsenal? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (20)
The Print
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Print
Operation Sindoor: How Rafales, Pakistani J-10s & lots of propaganda moved global defence markets
But as the fog of war began to clear and these claims were found to be exaggerated, Dassault's shares staged a recovery, reflecting a broader market correction. A rally in defence stocks, particularly among Chinese firms, may be attributed to the speculation or claims that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighters, mainly Chinese-origin JF-17s and J-10Cs, had downed multiple Indian Rafale jets. This was the first instance of Chinese fighter jets being tested in real combat, attracting attention from defence watchers globally. Equally, it was the first time any claim emerged of a Rafale being shot down, an event that weighed on market sentiment, including on Dassault Aviation's stock. New Delhi: The impact of Operation Sindoor extended far beyond the battlefield as aerial battles continued in the stock markets. After India carried out precision strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of 7 May, global defence markets reacted with notable fluctuations, reflecting investor sensitivity to regional tensions. ThePrint examines how the 88-hour India-Pakistan standoff sent ripples through global defence markets, impacting the stock prices of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and its subsidiaries, as well as Lockheed Martin and Dassault Aviation. Stock prices are compared from the day Operation Sindoor began through to the closing figures on Thursday, with all values converted to INR using the prevailing exchange rates at the time of reporting. Also read: Defence stocks surge continues amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions since Pahalgam attack Pakistan's propaganda of multiple Rafale jets being shot fuelled Chinese defence stocks China's state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), particularly its Chengdu Aircraft division, saw one of the sharpest stock moves. AVIC Chengdu, which designs and manufactures the JF-17 and J-10C fighter jets used by the Pakistan Air Force, surged from Rs 828 on 7 May to Rs 1,145 by 12 May, witnessing a massive 38 percent jump in five days. Although the stock had cooled to Rs 939 by Thursday, it retained a net gain of 13 percent since the launch of Op Sindoor. Furthermore, another subsidiary of the state-owned AVIC group—AVIC Airborne Systems—which supplies precision avionics and weapons for the J-series jets operated by Pakistan, also saw a modest rise. Its stock climbed from Rs 136 to Rs 144 between 7 May and 12 May, marking a 5.9% increase that reflected growing investor confidence in China's deepening role in Pakistan's defence supply chain. By Thursday, however, the stock had eased slightly to Rs 138. Other than the speculation of these Chinese origin fighters performing exceedingly well, these spikes are also driven by investor belief that Pakistan might accelerate fighter acquisitions to strengthen its aerial capabilities following Operation Sindoor. Reports indicate that Pakistan could take delivery of the fifth generation FC-31 stealth fighter, the export version of China's J-35A, later this year. According to the latest Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, Chinese equipment accounted for 81 percent of Pakistan's major arms imports over the past five years. Subsequently, during last month's hostilities, Pakistan fielded a range of Chinese-origin platforms, including JF-17 and J-10C fighter jets, HQ-9B long range air defence systems, HQ-16 medium range air defence systems, PL-15E beyond visual range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM) and Chinese unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Beyond the loss of a couple of PAF aircrafts, several Chinese-supplied HQ-9B long-range and HQ-16 medium-range air defence systems were taken out by Harpy and Harop loitering munitions sourced from Israel. Additionally, the recovery of debris of a PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) was confirmed by DG Air Operations (DGAO) Air Marshal A.K. Bharti in a press briefing. It was learnt that the much-discussed Chinese PL-15E missile failed to register a single hit during the conflict. Also read: Pakistan to go in for J-31 Chinese stealth fighters. What this could mean for balance of air power Western defence giants and market sentiment Western defence companies, from France's Dassault Aviation to the U.S.-based Lockheed Martin, experienced divergent market responses, shaped as much by battlefield developments, speculative reports and domestic developments. Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of India's Rafale jets, recorded a 6.4 percent decline between 7 and 12 May, with its stock falling from Rs 31,406 to a low of Rs 29,405. However, it had rebounded back to Rs 31,367 on Thursday, nearly regaining its pre-drop value. Incidentally, while Dassault Aviation hit its lowest point on 12 May, China's AVIC Chengdu registered its highest stock price during the same period, highlighting the contrasting market sentiments around the two defence suppliers amid the conflict. The initial dip may have been driven by concerns over possible losses, as the Indian Air Force did suffer setbacks during the operation, first hinted at by Air Marshal A.K. Bharti during the tri-services briefing held on 11 May and later confirmed by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan in a Saturday interview with Bloomberg TV. Yet the Rafale jets, armed with SCALP cruise missiles and AASM Hammer glide bombs, carried out precision strikes on multiple targets across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The subsequent rebound in Dassault's stock suggests renewed investor confidence in the aircraft's combat effectiveness and strategic value. Furthermore, on Thursday, it was announced that the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage will now be manufactured domestically by Tata Advanced Systems, strengthening its position as a strong contender for the Multi-role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme. In contrast, Lockheed Martin, whose F-16 fighters once formed the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force, registered only a modest 1.34 percent gain during the same period, with its stock rising from Rs 40,449 on the day Operation Sindoor was launched to Rs 40,990 by Thursday. The limited uptick can be attributed to heightened interest in the American aerospace giant's F-21, an advanced 4.5-generation fighter pitched as a potential contender for India, especially after unverified reports of Rafale being downed during Operation Sindoor drew the attention of investors and defence analysts. Lockheed Martin's uptick movement in stocks may also be linked to U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement on 15 May for the development of an upgraded 'F-22 Super' and a twin-engine variant of the F-35, provisionally dubbed the F-55. How speculation, politics and perception shape market swings Analysts also point out that stock movements observed since 7 May were driven not just by battlefield results but by narrative, politics and investor psychology. 'From a market perspective, defence procurement is a massive business. During events like Operation Sindoor, exaggerated speculation and misinformation are to be expected, especially when they serve the interests of those looking to profit,' Dr Vikas Gupta, CEO and smallcase manager at OmniScience Capital, told ThePrint. Big-ticket defence exports such as fighter jets are typically sealed through government-to-government agreements that generate employment and strategic influence for the given party, he added. 'At times, even governments may quietly encourage certain narratives if they align with their economic interests.' Dr Gupta also pointed out how China's market mechanics differ from the West. 'In China's case, there's an added layer of complexity. Beijing can directly intervene in markets, banning short selling, for instance, to stabilise or boost the performance of AVIC subsidiaries. That kind of intervention isn't feasible in countries like France, where the government usually avoids market interference.' Ultimately, the swings observed in the wake of Operation Sindoor reinforce a perceived reality of defence stocks remaining highly reactive to geopolitical flashpoints, with prices shaped as much by perception, speculation, politics and investor psychology as by actual battlefield performance. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: Operation Sindoor signals a real paradigm shift, says ex-IAF chief. 'We hit where it hurts the most'
India Today
01-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Why Pakistan-fired PL-15E missile's debris in India is China's worry
On the intervening night of May 6-7, India and Pakistan engaged in a high-stakes aerial stand-off, a non-conventional confrontation wherein neither side crossed the other's airspace. This clash, sparked by escalating tensions following the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, saw both nations deploy advanced fighter jets and missiles in a display of military under Operation Sindoor, fielded over four squadrons of its air force, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 jets, armed with BrahMos and SCALP-EG cruise missiles, AASM Hammer guided bombs for ground strikes, and Meteor missiles for air-to-air countered with more than 40 jets, including the US-supplied F-16 Vipers and Chinese J-10C and JF-17 Thunder fighters, firing PL-15E air-to-air missiles acquired from China and Fatah-II rockets at Indian is clear now how China cast a long shadow over the conflict. Indian military officials have accused Beijing of bolstering Pakistan with air defence and satellite systems, which apparently fell short in performance against the Indian aerial offensive. Amidst the three days of intense missile and drone exchanges between India and Pakistan, debris from a Chinese PL-15E missile, launched by a J-10C or JF-17 jet of the Pakistan air force, was found near Kamahi Devi village in Punjab's Hoshiarpur portions of the missile, including its propulsion, data-link, inertial unit and advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) seeker, were found to be intact. The debris find has drawn global attention, with the Five Eyes alliance (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand), Japan and South Korea having requested access to study its dual-pulse motor and AESA technology. This reflects global concerns about China's advancing military defence scientists now possess this debris, leading to speculation about potential reverse-engineering to bolster India's own beyond-visual-range missile programmes, such as the upgraded Astra missile, and to probably rule out technical glitches in its defence ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang, during a briefing on May 29, sidestepped questions about the efficacy of these systems, instead urging India and Pakistan to exercise restraint. 'India and Pakistan are neighbours who cannot be moved. We hope both sides will remain calm to avoid further complicating the situation,' he said, adding that China was willing to play a constructive role in regional acknowledged the PL-15E's use—for the first time by China in the conflict—noting it as an exported weapon showcased at multiple defence exhibitions, including the Zhuhai air show in November 2024. Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the PL-15E is a long-range, active radar-guided air-to-air missile. The recovery of its debris in India has sparked concerns in Beijing about technological military arsenal heavily relies on Chinese equipment, with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reporting that 81 per cent of its arms imports in 2020-24 came from China, up from 74 per cent in 2015-19. This includes over half of Pakistan's 400-plus fighter jets, notably the JF-17 and J-10C, alongside systems such as the HQ-9 air defence and PL-15E media posts have pegged this figure at as high as 82 per cent for 2019-23, underscoring Pakistan's dependence on Chinese arms, including co-developed platforms such as the JF-17. Reports also suggest China rushed additional PL-15E missile deliveries to Pakistan at the peak of tensions with India, highlighting Beijing's strategic support to its the debris of PL-15E offers India a rare opportunity to study cutting-edge Chinese technology, the incident also points to the complex interplay of regional rivalries and global arms dynamics. While India's defence research community may gain insights to refine its missile technology, a broader question remains: will this clash, marked by advanced weaponry and restrained borders, lead to de-escalation or further fuel South Asia's volatile fault lines?Subscribe to India Today MagazineMust Watch
Newsweek
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Breaks Silence on Chinese Weapons in India-Pakistan Air War
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China downplayed how India could benefit from studying its military technology in comments on reports that its neighbor and rival found an unexploded PL-15E missile during its recent conflict with Pakistan, . Newsweek has reached out to India's Defense Ministry for comment. Why It Matters The remarks mark the first time Beijing has publicly addressed the use of its weapons in the four-day military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed nations, the first to see a military—Pakistan—deploy a full array of advanced Chinese systems, including the HQ-9 air defense system, PL-15 missiles, and J-10C fighters, and put them to test in combat. Scale models of the J-15T fighter jet and the PL-15 missile are on display at the exhibition hall of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) on day 2 of the 15th China International... Scale models of the J-15T fighter jet and the PL-15 missile are on display at the exhibition hall of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) on day 2 of the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China 2024. More Zou Wei/VCG/AP What To Know "The missile you mentioned is an export equipment and has appeared in domestic and foreign defense exhibitions many times," Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson of the Chinese Defense Ministry told a press conference on Wednesday, when asked about reports on the missile. The PL-15E is an export version of a Chinese long-range air-to-air missile with an active radar seeker, capable of targeting enemy aircraft beyond visual range. Earlier this month, India's Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Amit Malviya published footage of the supposed Chinese missile, purportedly recovered in Punjab. According to multiple news reports, it was the third instance where remnants of the PL-15E were found on Indian territory during the India-Pakistan conflict from May 7 to May 10. A fully intact Chinese PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile was recovered in Hoshiarpur, Punjab—clearly launched from a PAF jet, most likely a JF-17. It failed to detonate. — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 9, 2025 The collection of debris holds significance for India—a growing U.S. partner—for technical examination and potential reverse engineering—and for its allies. The missiles were used during a massive air battle that took place between India and Pakistan, with the latter claiming to have taken down several of India's French-made Rafale jets using Chinese J-10 fighters. The United States has long considered South Asia a vital region in global peace and security. What People Are Saying Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense said, translated from Chinese: "India and Pakistan are neighbors who cannot move away. We hope that both sides should remain calm and restrained to avoid further complicating the situation. China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability. Christopher Clary, non-resident fellow with Stimson's South Asia program, wrote in published analysis: "The performance of these newer Chinese systems on the battlefield is of immense importance to states that worry about a future confrontation with China. Likewise, their performance matters for a large number of militaries considering the purchase of Chinese equipment for their own defense needs." What Happens Next China could be fast-tracking delivery of its advanced J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters to Pakistan, signaling deepening military ties amid rising tensions after recent cross-border violence with India.
South China Morning Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Beijing flexes its military might in South Asia and beyond
The scale and intensity of the four-day India-Pakistan conflict beginning on May 7 was marked by the battlefield debut of China's advanced military technology. At the onset of the conflict, US Vice-President J.D. Vance stated that the situation was 'fundamentally none of our business'. But, in a dramatic reversal, US President Donald Trump soon announced that his administration had brokered a 'historic ceasefire' between India and Pakistan. While India and Pakistan were still exchanging fire, the true victor was China, whose military technology transformed the conflict into a global moment of significance for its arms industry. After much speculation about its military capacity, Chinese defence tech has arrived on the global stage. The Pakistan Air Force fielded Chinese J-10C fighter jets and JF-17 planes – jointly developed by China and Pakistan – armed with Chinese PL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles. India used its French fighters and Israeli Harop drones, a line-up many, until now, considered technologically superior. Reports suggest that at least one French-made Rafale was downed by a missile shot from a Chinese-made J-10. The BBC authenticated images of the wreckage. The possibility of a French Rafale being downed by a Chinese J-10 sent shock waves through the Western military hardware industry. Even financial markets responded to the performance of Chinese military weapons as shares of AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, the state-owned manufacturer of the JF-17 and J-10C, soared by 36 per cent within two days. China reportedly provided Pakistan with significant battlefield advantages through realignment of air defence radar systems and satellite surveillance support which allowed Pakistan to monitor Indian troop movements and aerial deployments with precision. This elevated Pakistan's situational awareness and operational readiness, an advantage India did not seem to enjoy. The extent of coordination between China and Pakistan has set alarm bells ringing for both India and its Western partners, including the US which had earlier provided Pakistan with F-16 fighter jets. Anonymous US officials cited by Reuters claim F-16s were not used in the conflict, despite reports to the contrary. However, what is likely even more unsettling for the US is the implication that the conflict may have served as a proxy testing ground for China's military capabilities, especially in the event of a future confrontation over Taiwan
