What weapons does Russia sell to China?
As one of Russia's major arms customers, China this week became the target of US sanctions for purchasing Russian fighter jets and surface-to-air missiles.
NewspaperSouth China Morning Post (SCMP)According to figures from Rosoboronexport, Russia's defense export company, Russia sold approximately $15 billion worth of weapons to China in 2017, the same as the previous year.
Russia is the world's second-largest arms exporter, after the United States. Meanwhile, China is among the top five arms importers in the world, along with India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia.
This week, the U.S. announced sanctions against a Chinese military unit after it purchased Su-35 fighter jets and S-400 air defense systems from Russia. The U.S. stated that these sanctions are primarily aimed at Russia and not at diminishing the defense capabilities of any particular country.
NewspaperSCMPThey listed some of the weapons that China bought from Russia.
Sukhoi Su-35
Su-35 aircraft (Photo: Aviationist)
The US State Department said that China took delivery of 10 Su-35 fighter jets in December 2017, becoming the first foreign country to purchase this version of the Russian aircraft. The Su-35 is powered by two AL-117S engines and is equipped with thrust vector control. In addition, the Su-35 is equipped with a multi-function radar capable of tracking 30 targets simultaneously.
In May of this year, China deployed Su-35 aircraft along with H-6K strategic bombers to fly over the Bashi Strait, located between Taiwan and the northern islands of the Philippines, in a show of force.
S-400 air defense system
S-400 system (Sputnik)
The U.S. State Department said that China purchased an S-400 system from Russia this year. This is considered one of the world's most advanced air defense systems. The S-400 includes missiles with varying ranges, from 40 meters to 400 kilometers, and can destroy targets at altitudes from 10 meters to 30 kilometers, creating a multi-layered defense network.
The S-400's advanced radar improves its ability to detect drones and counter electronic jamming.
This system can track 300 different targets simultaneously and engage 36 targets at the same time. It can attack moving targets at speeds up to 4.8 km/s (or Mach 15).
Russia is also reportedly close to selling S-400 missiles to Türkiye despite warnings from the US and its NATO allies.
Kamov helicopter
Kamov Ka-32A11VS helicopter (Photo: Military)
China purchased seven Kamov Ka-32A11VS multirole helicopters from Russia in 2016, and two more in 2017. The contract included operational training support for Chinese pilots.
The Kamov Ka-32 multi-role helicopter is suitable for a variety of missions, including firefighting, search and rescue, and patrol.
The Ka-32 is capable of carrying cargo and equipment both internally and externally. Its coaxial rotor allows it to land precisely in mountainous or densely populated terrain.
This helicopter can also be equipped with specialized equipment such as fire hoses for firefighting. It is also suitable for construction work in mountainous terrain and for transporting goods.
AL-31 aircraft engine
China has ordered 150 AL-31F engines from Russia. By the end of last year, China had received 100 of them.
The Al-31F engine is primarily used by China for its Shenyang J-15 carrier-based fighter jets. China is believed to have built dozens of J-15s for deployment on the Liaoning aircraft carrier. Additionally, some AL-31FM engines are also suitable for China's Chengdu J-20 fifth-generation stealth fighter.
China also purchased nearly 400 AL-31FN engines for the Chengdu J-10 aircraft and 10 AL-41F-1S engines as spare parts for the Su-35.
D-30 engine
The D-30 engine could be used in aircraft such as the Y-20 military transport aircraft or China's H-6K bomber.
Powered by D-30 engines, the H-6K is a strategic bomber that entered service with the Chinese military in October 2009. The aircraft is believed to have an operational radius of up to 3,500 km.
