Report: Chinese Communist Party using military exercises to steal Western advanced fighter jet technology.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) recently released a report based on satellite images showing that the advanced “Mirage” fighter jets designed by France and owned by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) appeared in Xinjiang, China. The report suggests that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) may be using joint military exercises with third parties to steal key technology from Western advanced fighter jets.

IISS is a defense and military think tank based in London, United Kingdom. In a report published on July 22nd, the institute pointed out that the joint military exercises between the UAE Air Force and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force “have raised questions about Beijing’s potential for gathering information on Western fighter jets,” creating concern in Washington over the increasing closeness between the UAE and China.

The joint military exercises named “Falcon Shield” between the Chinese PLA Air Force and the UAE Air Force were held in August 2023 and July 2024 for two consecutive years.

The satellite images disclosed in the IISS analysis report show that the airbases for these exercises were located at Tashkurgan Airport in Xinjiang both times.

In the satellite images from August 20, 2023, six Dassault Aviation Mirage 2000-9DAD/EAD ground attack aircraft deployed by the UAE Air Force and an Airbus MRTT aerial refueling aircraft supporting these fighters can be seen.

Additionally, in the satellite images from August 26, 2023, two Boeing C-17A “Globemaster” heavy transport aircraft can be observed, indicating they were used to transport support equipment and personnel.

On July 10, 2024, the satellite images showed seven Dassault Aviation Mirage 2000-9DAD/EAD fighter jets and an Airbus MRTT aerial refueling aircraft. Furthermore, an additional temporary tent associated with operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) was seen in the image compared to the first “Falcon Shield” exercise in 2023.

The Mirage fighter jets, designed by Dassault Aviation of France, are predominantly supersonic fighters featuring delta wings.

Despite the separate deployment of the UAE Air Force’s Mirage 2000 jets and the Chinese Air Force’s fighters at Tashkurgan Airport in Xinjiang, as the host country, China could potentially utilize these Western fighters publicly or covertly.

The IISS report expressed concerns that such joint exercises provide “Beijing with potential information-gathering opportunities.”

For example, the Chinese Airborne Missile Academy’s short-range infrared-guided air-to-air missile, the PL-10, known as “Thunderbolt-10” in NATO terminology, could be tested in various types of air combat exercises with Western fighter jets.

Of note, the Taiwanese Air Force possesses 60 Mirage 2000 fighter jets. Through multiple simulated combat scenarios during the “Falcon Shield” exercises, the CCP could gain familiarity with the Mirage 2000 and its capabilities, as well as possibilities for different air combat training, proving valuable for the Chinese Air Force’s strategies, including potential actions against Taiwan.

The IISS report emphasized the ongoing development of relations between the UAE Air Force and Chinese Air Force, as well as in China’s defense and aerospace domain. In early 2022, the UAE ordered a dozen advanced jet trainers, the Hongdu L-15A, from China.

In November 2023, the UAE announced that these aircraft were purchased for the Al Fursan aerobatic display team to replace their Italian Aermacchi MB-339 aircraft. Deliveries of the L-15A started in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The broad relationship between the UAE and China has raised concerns in Washington, particularly since the UAE’s decision to engage China’s Huawei for its national 5G communication infrastructure, which complicated discussions with the United States over the UAE’s plans to acquire Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II fighters.

The UAE Air Force also operates Chinese-made medium-altitude long-endurance UAVs, including the Wing Loong II UAV, at the Qusahwirah Air Base, while its F-16E/F fighters are deployed elsewhere. The…