Quote:
Originally Posted by gf0012-aust
I think you'll find that China doesn't really care about sourcing complete systems - upgraded systems would be preferable, but if she scores base platforms then she can add and modify COTS/Dual Use/Acquired tech into them.
At the moment she's got access to technology elements that the Russians are not considered good at.
A small list of examples: - german maritime engines
- composite technology compliments of Boeing and Airbus
- aircraft grade machining capability compliments of Cincinatti
- Maritime sensor suites compliments of France and Scotland
- aviation sensor suites compliments of Israel
- aircraft management systems compliments of the US (ADB aircraft management, based on the prototype australian CA model)
- twin hull ship design (the 2208 FPB was based on an australian design that was supposed to be a partnership for civlian small fast cats)
- computing technology and research divisions compliments of the IBM buyout of Lexmark
- Submarine propellor technology compliments of Toshiba (an unwilling partner by criminal default)
- Cruise missile engine technology compliments of the US (Williams SBJ engines)
US Homeland Security provided a Congressional Report last year into the extent of Chinese espionage - they are rated as the highest and most competent threat that the US faces.
Fundamentally, if the Russians don't provide what they want, they have the resources and the emerging competencies to deconstruct and re-engineer it.
The chinese govt has the political will and intent, and focus to get what they want over a timeframe of their choosing.
Too many people underestimate their long term resolve. This is not pre-1991 China. |
GF_Aust,
They do so because their local industry cannot provide those items, and its pragmatic to use foreign subsystems as necessary which is entirely reasonable of them. My point is that the Chinese services currently have access to Grade-B Russian items (for the most part)- which are still fairly capable (ie a Su-27SK against a non upgraded IAF MiG-29A, and which has the edge?), but if unrestricted access to most topgrade items was permitted, we'd actually see much of the hoopla about chinas local systems disappear, to be replaced by a much less nationalistic but sober assessment of a chinese military apparatus, which would have access to top grade stuff, in terms of complete systems, not just components. That would raise their military ability something fierce. To put a fine point on it- the thought of a PLAAF with 100 Mirage 2000-5s would alarm the IAF more than a PLAAF with double the number of J-10s etc.
I totally agree that they are excellent at espionage and their local R&D efforts are nothing to sneer at, I was just pointing out that when it comes to procurement, all services are the same. They want maximal bang for their buck and dont like being captive customers. Chinas political issues have made them so, but if they were offered a choice from elsewhere, they would be sorely tempted.