Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Weiser
The trouble is, the Chinese AF just aren't able to keep up with the Soviets..at first. The elements of the AF that are learning to use the new Western kit are still in the US and elsewhere, learning how to use it. What's left is in the same position the Soviet AF was in in '41-'42, being tackling dummies for the other side. The Soviets also take down the Chinese AD network with frightening ease, blowing large holes in it for raids of Bears, Backfires, Badgers and Fencers to range throughout China. And most of the raids are at night..which means the Chinese are at a further disadvantage.
By limiting themselves to a single target set, the Soviets have a doable option. That said, they will not knock out Chinese arms production completely (we didn't manage it with the Germans either), but it will set it back. And losses for the Soviets are going to be lower..many of the attacks are via ALCM (Conventional AS-4/6).
It's really not until the AVG arrives, and the Chinese AF begins to integrate the hardware it has..with what it is getting and implement something right out of the German WWII "Wild Sow/Tame Sow" tactics...that they begin to get the measure of the Soviet AF.
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Does any one know exactly that the Chinese got from the West and in what quantity? The only reference anywhere I can find is from Paul's site .
Also from looking at Chinese forces in this period (I am using IISS military balance for 1990/91 and 1991/92 as this gives force levels just before the USSR breaks up, and the right type of equipment that Chinese and Soviet forces would be using in T2K), the Chinese are at a severe technological disadvantage in comparison to the Soviets. Despite huge numbers on paper it is theoretically possible that China would not have been able to hold out against the advancing Soviets, and a Soviet conventional victory was only forestalled by the numbers they were using.
During the First Gulf War at this time the Chinese observed how easily the US and Western forces dismantled the Iraqi Army and Air Force, and Iraqi forces were more experienced and used equipment that was technologically as good or better than what China had at the time. The Iraqis also by and large used Soviets "export" military equipment, which was mostly better than what China had and inferior to what the Soviets used.