The Diplomat | Author
Rick Joe
Rick Joe is a longtime follower of Chinese military developments, with a focus on air and naval platforms.
December 30, 2024
J-36: Assessing China’s New Generation Combat Aircraft
By Rick Joe
What we know – and what we don't know – about the next-generation fighter that made its first public appearance over Chengdu.
November 20, 2024
Assessing the J-35A: The Chinese Air Force’s New Stealth Fighter
By Rick Joe
After its official reveal at the Zhuhai Airshow, what do we know about China's new fifth-generation fighter?
June 11, 2024
China’s 6th Generation and Upcoming Combat Aircraft: 2024 Update
By Rick Joe
A look at where the PLA’s cutting-edge aircraft programs – from the J-XD to J-20 upgrades and the mysterious H-20 stealth bomber – stand.
September 11, 2023
Assessing the Chinese Navy’s New 054B Frigate
By Rick Joe
A successor to the PLAN’s workhorse, the 054A, has been rumored for a decade. Now it’s finally here.
August 01, 2023
China’s J-20 Gets Another Upgrade
By Rick Joe
Updates on the 5th-gen fighter’s WS-15 engine, new variants, and fleet size, and what it all means for the future of China’s fighter fleet.
July 06, 2023
KJ-600: The Eye in the Sky for China’s Future Carriers
By Rick Joe
Assessing what we know so far about China’s fixed-wing carrier-based airborne early warning and control (AEWC) aircraft.
February 15, 2022
What a 19-Year-Old Study Tells Us About China’s J-20
By Rick Joe
A study from 2003 – now available in exclusive English translation – contains important insights on China’s fifth-generation (and beyond) fighter development.
November 23, 2021
Reviewing China’s New Stealth Fighters
By Rick Joe
What we know about the twin seat J-20 and carrier-borne FC-31 fighter – and a mystery tailless airframe captured in satellite imagery.
October 11, 2021
A Tale of 2 Navies: India and China’s Carrier Airwing Development
By Rick Joe
Despite the Indian Navy's head start in the 1990s, China's carrier capabilities and virtually all carrier-relevant industries have overtaken India's in scale and sophistication.
August 04, 2021
A Tale of 2 Navies: India and China’s Current Carrier and Escort Procurement
By Rick Joe
By 2030, how many carriers and escort ships will China and India each have on hand?
July 03, 2021
A Tale of 2 Navies: Reviewing India and China’s Aircraft Carrier Procurement
By Rick Joe
The 21st century carrier programs in India and China are fascinating for their similarities – and for their differences.
May 20, 2021
China’s J-15 Carrierborne Fighter: Sizing up the Competition
By Rick Joe
Just how capable is the J-15, and where does its future lie?
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