The Emiratis and the Chinese concluded their second fighter exercise in Xinjiang, called Falcon Shield, which began on July 11, 2024. The planes participating in this exercise are Mirage 2000s from the UAE and J-10s and J-16s from China. Observers suggested that Taiwan scenarios were practiced, given that Taiwan also uses Mirage 2000s. According to the Emirati MOD’s X account, “this exercise aims to exchange experiences, raise the operational efficiency of both sides, and focus on implementing joint operations to raise the readiness of the participating forces and optimally employ various capabilities to confront air threats.”
This exercise has a significant diplomatic aspect. It enhances Emirati-Sino-military relations and their "comprehensive strategic partnership", which has already resulted in the attempted construction of a Chinese base in Port Khalifa and the selling of anti-drone systems in 2024 to the UAE. As per the Chinese efforts to derive legitimization from the Muslim world, the Chinese also received an implicit endorsement of their policy in Xinjiang from this exercise.
The exercise is also a point of contention for the USA. Following the G42 and Huawei disagreements and the cancellation of the F-35 sales, the Emiratis exercising with Chinese planes means that the Chinese might gain insights into Western technology through these exchanges. However, only outdated French aircraft participated, minimizing the risk of major tech transfer.
Militarily, other than operating at hot and high climates, the Emiratis stand to gain little from the Chinese, as their planes are predominantly Western-made and superior to most Chinese aircraft, except possibly the J-20 (assuming it is as stealthy as claimed). Conversely, the Chinese have much to learn from the Emiratis. Emirati pilots are generally agreed to be part of the West. They are Western-trained, like pilots in Taiwan. Thus, this exercise offers significant learning opportunities for the Chinese.
Israel should take note of the Chinese exercises with the Emiratis. The UAE is a close partner with Israel in terms of security, technology, and more. China's close partnership with Iran and Russia, both unfriendly towards Israel, makes these exercises potentially risky. For Israel’s security, strict supervision of critical security and technology cooperation with the UAE is essential to prevent any leakage.
The Emiratis and the Chinese concluded their second fighter exercise in Xinjiang, called Falcon Shield, which began on July 11, 2024. The planes participating in this exercise are Mirage 2000s from the UAE and J-10s and J-16s from China. Observers suggested that Taiwan scenarios were practiced, given that Taiwan also uses Mirage 2000s. According to the Emirati MOD’s X account, “this exercise aims to exchange experiences, raise the operational efficiency of both sides, and focus on implementing joint operations to raise the readiness of the participating forces and optimally employ various capabilities to confront air threats.”
This exercise has a significant diplomatic aspect. It enhances Emirati-Sino-military relations and their "comprehensive strategic partnership", which has already resulted in the attempted construction of a Chinese base in Port Khalifa and the selling of anti-drone systems in 2024 to the UAE. As per the Chinese efforts to derive legitimization from the Muslim world, the Chinese also received an implicit endorsement of their policy in Xinjiang from this exercise.
The exercise is also a point of contention for the USA. Following the G42 and Huawei disagreements and the cancellation of the F-35 sales, the Emiratis exercising with Chinese planes means that the Chinese might gain insights into Western technology through these exchanges. However, only outdated French aircraft participated, minimizing the risk of major tech transfer.
Militarily, other than operating at hot and high climates, the Emiratis stand to gain little from the Chinese, as their planes are predominantly Western-made and superior to most Chinese aircraft, except possibly the J-20 (assuming it is as stealthy as claimed). Conversely, the Chinese have much to learn from the Emiratis. Emirati pilots are generally agreed to be part of the West. They are Western-trained, like pilots in Taiwan. Thus, this exercise offers significant learning opportunities for the Chinese.
Israel should take note of the Chinese exercises with the Emiratis. The UAE is a close partner with Israel in terms of security, technology, and more. China's close partnership with Iran and Russia, both unfriendly towards Israel, makes these exercises potentially risky. For Israel’s security, strict supervision of critical security and technology cooperation with the UAE is essential to prevent any leakage.