The Diplomat | Author
Rick Joe
Rick Joe is a longtime follower of Chinese military developments, with a focus on air and naval platforms.
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April 28, 2021
It’s Time to Talk About J-15, China’s First Carrierborne Fighter
By Rick Joe
Rumors of the J-15's unreliability have been greatly exaggerated.
February 18, 2021
The FC-31, China’s ‘Other’ Stealth Fighter
By Rick Joe
A look at the jet with many names – and its carrier-based future.
January 11, 2021
J-20: The Stealth Fighter That Changed PLA Watching Forever
By Rick Joe
A decade after the J-20's maiden flight, a look back at China's fifth generation stealth fighter – and how it changed PLA watching forever.
December 25, 2020
Hints of Chinese Naval Procurement Plans in the 2020s
By Rick Joe
All military forces have a desired force requirement and a desired “critical mass” to aspire toward. What does the 14th five-year plan tell us about China’s?
November 18, 2020
How the Descendants of a 1950s Bomber Transformed China’s Strike Reach
By Rick Joe
An overview of the H-6K family and its role in the PLA’s toolbox of strike options.
October 16, 2020
Will China Roll out a Twin Seat J-20?
By Rick Joe
Rumors abound over a twin-seat variant of the fifth-generation stealth fighter – but does it make sense?
September 29, 2020
003 and More: An Update on China’s Aircraft Carriers
By Rick Joe
Over the past year, disparate elements of the Chinese Navy’s carrier development program have continued to progress and come together.
August 21, 2020
Whispers of 076, China’s Drone Carrying Assault Carrier
By Rick Joe
What do we know so far about China’s next amphibious assault ship?
July 12, 2020
The Chinese Navy’s Destroyer Fleet Will Double by 2025. Then What?
By Rick Joe
China is about to finish the current phase of destroyer construction. What comes next?
May 15, 2020
What Will the Chinese Navy’s Next Frigate Look Like?
By Rick Joe
The U.S. Navy has chosen its next frigate; what will China’s look like?
April 16, 2020
Flankers vs Gripens: What Happened at the Falcon Strike 2015 Exercise?
By Rick Joe
A Chinese test pilot's lecture in December 2019 about the exercise sparked renewed discussion over the details.
March 03, 2020
China’s Military Advancements in the 2010s: Naval and Strike
By Rick Joe
Reviewing major and visible developments of the Chinese PLA Navy and missile force over the last decade.