China challenges Western dominance

Chinese military technology is reaching “near-parity” with the West and western dominance in advanced military systems can no longer be taken for granted, reports the International Institute for Strategic Studies

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PL-10 missile: 5th-generation short-range infrared homing air-to-air missile for China’s new Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter

J-20

Following high-speed launch, PL-10 can accelerate to Mach 4 (4,939km/h) in 2.5 seconds. Missile capable of intercepting Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor flying at Mach 2.25 (2,778km/h)

Type-052D guided-missile destroyer: At least 13 ships in service or under construction

Comparable to U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyer

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Top defence budgets (2016, US$ billions)

NATO members

604.5 United States

China 145.0

Russia 58.9

Saudi Arabia 56.9

UK 52.5

India 51.1

Japan 47.3

France 47.2

Germany 38.3

South Korea 33.8

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Sources: International Institute for Strategic Studies, IHS Jane's Missiles 

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