An analysis of leaked Russian documents by the Royal United Services Institute says Moscow has sold China parachutes, airdrop-capable armoured assault vehicles and related technology — part of a reported $210m package — that could materially enhance Beijing’s ability to airdrop forces and threaten seizure of Taiwan’s ports and airfields.
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Briefing
RUSI's analysis says leaked documents detail parachutes, assault vehicles and enabling tech in a reported $210m sale from Russia to China, transfers that could directly increase PLA airborne assault capability and the prospect of seizing ports and airfields.
The finding reinforces recent US military intelligence concerns about China developing an "expeditionary" force posture and longer-range power projection capabilities: https://hype.aero/?story=7e446005-55b8-4cd6-9875-1d3676e6ed98
The equipment transfer dovetails with imagery and activity showing expanded Chinese naval and airbase infrastructure around the Taiwan Strait and mirrors the kinds of rapid airfield seizure scenarios allied forces have been training to counter: https://hype.aero/?story=04f05c75-11e7-48fd-a335-8437667d9cad and https://hype.aero/?story=112bfc87-4d67-48dd-b55c-d2f081740c6b
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Washington Post
• Catherine Belton