China`s Aerospace Strategy

About the Book :

The book relates to understanding the growing importance of aerospace power in modern warfare, including integration of air and space which has truly become the new theatre of war. The unifying space dimension will remain the single most important source for information and communication which can be used in multiple forms. It is an attempt to focus on Chinas evolving military strategy with emphasis on the aerospace dimension and its implications in the region, specifically in the Indian context. Initially, the book attempts to analyse the strategic importance of the rising economic, political and military stature of China with a view to understand its regional and global implications in the military domain. China, in recent times, has time and again demonstrated its resolve to defend its security interests at all costs. For over three decades, China has been modernising its strategic and nuclear capabilities besides developing new and complex military platforms that would be of great value to joint operations warfare. The current decade through 2020 will prove critical to the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) as it attempts to integrate many new and complex platforms, and to adopt modern operational concepts, including network-centric warfare. Besides undertaking a comprehensive modernisation of its armed forces, China is developing a series of offensive space capabilities while advocating the peaceful use of outer space.

In the later part, the book highlights the transformation of Chinas aerospace power. The PLA Air Force (PLAAF) appears to be well on its way to becoming a modern, highly capable air force for the 21st century. Chinas latest combat aircraft, the J-20, highlights Chinas ambition to produce a fighter aircraft that incorporates stealth attributes, advanced avionics, and supercruise capable engines over the next several years. Chinas aviation industry is developing several types of Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. PLAAF exercises have demonstrated that its role has changed from support to ground forces to being able to conduct operations independently. It is actively trying to imbibe better training programmes and has increased joint training with other air forces in the recent years. Induction of the aircraft carrier Liaoning in September 2012 highlights Chinas growing maritime interests and power projection capabilities.

About Author :

Group Captain JV Singh (retd) holds a masters degree from Lucknow University, 1975 Batch. He was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in June 1978. During his active service of over 32 years, he has served in various capacities in discharge of his professional duties. He has held a number of field and staff appointments in his branch in IAF and also served in a DRDO Laboratory. He is a graduate of the prestigious Defence Services Staff College and has undergone a course in National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE).