A UAE Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jet at Hotan Air Base in China on July 23, 2024. China, July 2024. Planet Labs satellite image.
The United Arab Emirates Air Force has deployed French Mirage 2000 fighter jets to an air base in China.
Planet Labs satellite images of fighter jets at a Chinese air base were published in Military Balance magazine.
The aircraft arrived in China for the Falcon Shield 2024 joint air exercise.
The Chinese side is represented by the J-10C and J-16 fighter jets.
The Mirage 2000 aircraft are parked separately from Chinese aircraft at Hotan airport, but their presence raises questions about whether China can exploit the characteristics of Western military aircraft.
Mirage 2000, J-16 and J-10C fighter jets at Hotan Air Base, China, July 2024. China. Photo credit: UAE Ministry of Defense
It is also worth noting that this type of aircraft is also in service with the Republic of China Air Force in Taiwan.
During the exercise, China will have the opportunity to engage long-range radar surveillance aircraft, which could provide additional information about the ability of Chinese radars to detect European fighter jets.
The UAE operates the Mirage 2000 alongside F-16 fighter jets, although the latter are yet to take part in the Falcon Shield exercise.
A UAE Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jet stationed at Hotan Air Base in China in July 2024. China. Photo credit: UAE Ministry of Defense
Falcon Shield 2024 will mark the second time the two countries have taken part in such a joint air operation.
Analysts see the 2023 exercises as a message to the United States as China seeks to increase its influence and presence in the Middle East and Gulf region.
A UAE Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jet stationed at Hotan Air Base, China, July 2024. Planet Labs satellite image.
It is also worth noting that the United Arab Emirates has purchased Chinese military aircraft.
In 2023, the UAE Air Force received its first L-15 trainer aircraft from Chinese company Hongdu Aviation Industrial Corporation.