The “Five Eyes Alliance” is becoming increasingly apparent in its coordination on China-related issues. No sooner had Canada publicized interceptions of their planes by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) than Americans amplified the story by stating that in the past two years, the PLAAF had executed 180 “dangerously close intercept actions” on US planes. If one includes allies, this number rises to 300.
This move by the US and Canada is essentially to deflect blame. PLAAF’s interceptions of US and Canadian aircraft took place not near US or Canadian coasts, but near China’s coast. Our frequent interceptions of their aircraft only prove the rampant reconnaissance activities by the US and Canada towards China, posing significant threats to our national security.
From the vast amount of videos and photos released by the US military, it is evident that the PLAAF and naval aviation dispatched numerous combat aircraft to intercept US aircraft. These aircraft mainly belong to the “Flanker” series, including those imported from Russia like the Su-27UBK, Su-30MKK, Su-30MK2, and Su-35SK, as well as domestically produced variants like J-11A, J-11B, J-11BS, J-11BH, J-11BSH, J-16, and J-15. These PLAAF jets can be dubbed as the most diverse “Flanker family”, even richer than the original series found in Russia.
From the available data, the aircraft Russia uses to intercept US and NATO planes primarily include older models like Su-27P, Su-27S, Su-27M2, and Su-30M2, as well as more recent models like Su-30SM and Su-35S. Other “Flanker” models, such as the carrier-based Su-33, have been retired from frontline duty, highlighting gaps in Russia’s current arsenal.
Apart from the “Flanker” series, the PLAAF also deployed other aircraft for interception, such as the JH-7A fighter-bomber and J-10 series. These planes played significant roles in interception operations. Due to reasons like insufficient navigation capabilities, shorter range, and poor low-altitude, low-speed performance, earlier domestically produced fighters like the J-8B series and J-7 series have been retired and no longer conduct interceptions at sea.
To summarize, it’s not hard to notice that the most frequently appearing PLAAF aircraft in US footage belong to the “Flanker” series, ranging from the 90s imported Su-27UBK to the currently mass-produced J-16. Further details reveal a higher appearance rate for twin-seat “Flankers”.
The PLAAF and naval aviation prefer deploying “Flanker” series fighters for interception missions for two main reasons. One, these jets boast exceptional flight performance and overall combat capabilities, comparable to the planes the US and Japan deploy in the First Island Chain. This ensures they can maintain parity or even dominate in the air, deterring US and Japanese pilots from taking risks.
Previously, the PLAAF primarily consisted of J-6, J-7, and a few J-8 fighters. These were no match for US and Japanese F-16s or F-15s. But the tables have turned. Thanks to their superior performance, PLAAF jets can now effectively track, intercept, and expel most incoming aircraft.
Another reason is the longer range and better low-altitude, low-speed performance of the “Flanker” series. This allows them to handle maritime patrol aircraft, which typically cruise at 300-400 km/h. In the past, US reconnaissance aircraft often exploited their larger size to crowd out our fighters or intentionally slowed down, making it hard for our jets to maintain a low-speed pursuit.
With new jets boasting longer ranges, longer airborne durations, and better maneuverability, they can calmly handle aggressive maneuvers by US aircraft. They can also approach for better verification, or even force a change in direction using moves like crossing in front or deploying flares.
Many may have noticed the absence of the PLAAF’s most advanced J-20 stealth fighter in the US imagery. According to PLAAF’s own releases, the J-20 has been engaged in sea interception missions. The US even admitted to a “close encounter” between an F-35 and a J-20 over the East China Sea, indicating the J-20 did intercept the F-35.
The US not releasing any J-20 footage might indicate they don’t have such material. Given the J-20’s excellent stealth capabilities, it might not come close enough for visual confirmation. Plus, most of the time, the US might not even detect a nearby J-20, let alone capture it on camera. The very fact that an F-35 was detected near a J-20 reveals the US’s limitations in detection, pushing them to retire the E-3 early warning aircraft in favor of the E-7A.
In contrast, our air defense radars, command and control systems, and even our C4ISR systems can effectively monitor the airspace beyond the First Island Chain, including stealth fighters. Enemy targets can’t hide. The J-20, unbeknownst to the US, monitors their every move, ready to strike. This ever-growing threat serves as a potent deterrent to the US.
From the Pentagon’s recent publicity, we see that PLAAF is undergoing rapid modernization. New fighter models are emerging in increasing numbers. These planes have outstanding performance, serving various purposes, greatly enhancing the PLAAF and naval aviation’s combat capabilities and mission flexibility. It’s these new jets that effectively block and disrupt the prying eyes of countries like the US, Japan, Canada, and Australia, ensuring our national and airspace security.
To put it frankly, we should thank the US military. It’s through their released footage and photos that we see, even in peacetime, PLAAF pilots stand brave and fearless, defending our national airspace. Because of them, our homes remain safe and lit.
Source: Wang Yanan