The Chinese military is working quickly to improve its array of increasingly sophisticated fighter jets and attack helicopters.
Indeed, China is developing fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft that incorporate stealth technology, some of which, the report says, use technology captured by Chinese spies.
China has also launched its first aircraft carrier, which senior US military officials say they are watching carefully and which is 鈥渢he most significant development in the [Chinese] Navy over the past year,鈥� according to the report.
鈥淭he formation of carrier battle groups will enable the PLA Navy to conduct comprehensive operations and enhance its long-range operational capabilities,鈥� it says.
The PLA is also 鈥渋nvesting heavily in a robust program for undersea warfare,鈥� developing nuclear-powered attack submarines, Helvey said.
Like the US, China is also interested in expanding its fleet of drones 鈥� as well as selling its technology. 鈥淲e have seen some reports of China marketing unmanned air systems in air shows around the world,鈥� Helvey added, 鈥渟o that鈥檚 something we鈥檒l have to continue monitoring very carefully.鈥�
