News analysis: Recent fast jet missions suggest growing Chinese confidence

Military Capabilities Mike Yeo, Melbourne, Australia – IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly 29 May 2014 PLA Air Force J-11s, at least one of which was armed with R-73 (AA-11 ‘Archer’) short-range air-to-air missiles, intercepted Japanese reconnaissance aircraft over the East China Sea on 25 May. Source: Japanese Ministry of Defence Recent events in the South China…

Taiwan holds biggest Spratly islands drill in 15 years

Military Capabilities Gavin Phipps, Taipei and James Hardy, London – IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly 29 April 2014 A comparison of satellite imagery of Taiping Island dated 10 March and 18 April 2014 shows construction on a breakwater on the island’s southwest coast. (© CNES 2014, Distribution Astrium Services / Spot Image S.A. / IHS) The…