Beijing is said to rely largely on copying or pirating U.S. and other advanced military technology, according to a report cited on Wednesday. The strategy gives China quick access to new systems, but a major flaw is that these fresh designs are often mixed with old, under‑powered engines. The result can be a machine that looks strong on paper but falls short when actually used in combat.
“The mismatch between modern systems and outdated engines means that real‑world performance can be weak,” the Daily Monitor in Uganda said. “China’s tight control over information keeps true one‑to‑one performance hidden. The country shows the world a polished image, but real tests often reveal cracks.”
High‑profile parades, state media shows, and flashy demonstrations are meant to impress citizens and foreign observers, yet real‑world trials often expose problems. Equipment can fail and systems can falter, gradually eroding the illusion of superiority.
Bangladesh, a long‑time buyer of Chinese defense gear, is a key example. Bangladeshi authorities raised alarms last year over faulty spare parts and technical defects in several platforms bought from Chinese firms. The country has complained about corvettes, patrol boats, training and combat aircraft, and onshore systems, citing manufacturing defects and ongoing technical challenges that required corrective action.
“This complaint matters because Bangladesh is not a single small buyer,” the report noted. “It routinely purchases major military equipment from China and knows the day‑to‑day logistics of running these systems.” The report highlighted that problems often involve substandard subsystems, non‑working sensors, and spare‑part shortages—issues that directly erode combat readiness.
The problems have human costs. In July 2025, a Bangladesh Air Force F‑7 trainer crashed into a school in Dhaka after a technical fault shortly after takeoff. The crash killed dozens and injured many, showing that reliability issues in military hardware can turn into immediate public tragedies. The incident shook confidence in the supplier and in the country’s own leadership.
Source: ianslive
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