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Originally Posted by Dragonlich
OTOH, they could always steal some technology, or adapt commercial technology that's readily available. Why develop in-house systems all by yourself, when you can get better results by copying and improving on what's available?
...which is exactly what some asian countries have been doing for decades. And very succesfully, I might add.
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True, but I don't think it's very easy to "steal" aircraft carrier technology is it? I could be wrong....hahaha! Where would they hide it?
No but you raise a good point: reverse engineering would definitely knock off years in the development, catch up race. But, keep in mind, what they lask in sophisticated weaponry or logisitics systems is not readily adaptable or copiable (IMO). It's not a matter of duck-taping a bunch of x-boes togther to run a missile battery. FOr example: China lacks serious com systems such as intel gathering, encryption tech, just about everything.
For example, a typical US air wing consists of fighter escorts, bombers, AWAC, radar jammers what-have you. Very difficult to compromise. A Chinese air wing cannot compete with that. Someone mentioned China having the largest airforce. Even if true, it's the quality not quantity that matters here. The Chinese air force pretty much becomes target practice for a much more exprienced, trained, hi-tech US airforce.
Additionally, experience is a factor. The Chinese (as far as I know) have not been involved in much engagment. They are a conscript army full of inexperienced, young men. So far, they only know how to suppress their own people and Tibetans (not trying to flame here, I'm pressed for time). The US armed forces in contrast, is more experienced.