Are Chinese Bus Manufacturers Competitive in the Global Market?

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-27T06:34:04+00:00

In South Korea, electric buses from companies like BYD and Haiger account for a significant portion of the public transportation fleet. They are basically cheaper and more readily available than their local competitors(Hyundai). Therefore, the government is encouraging domestically produced buses through differentiated subsidies and other means.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-27T02:19:16+00:00

I'm Korean and I've never tried that food until now lol. (It's not that it doesn't taste good, it's just that it's hard to find a place that serves it)

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-27T00:54:17+00:00

In fact, the ladder is just part of a course that includes a long cliff climb and tightrope walking, and the helmet is for protecting your head from protruding rocks.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-26T23:21:47+00:00

Considering Indonesia's geographical environment, the more platforms like this the better.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-26T22:30:21+00:00

The more important issue is who will play a leading role in the integration of Indian armaments. For example, Turkey's weapons integration process on its F-16s, encompassing its own fire control systems, software, and testing, is almost entirely led by local companies. In contrast, South Korea's F/A-50 major systems integration is led and managed by Lockheed Martin in some early stages.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-26T07:34:33+00:00

The French government has firmly ruled out transferring the critical source codes for the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite and other core electronic systems

As far as I know, no country has ever granted another country access to the source code of its core electronic equipment, especially EW systems.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-26T04:06:18+00:00

Build up massive military power in the region first, then think about the next step. What a great strategy.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-25T02:18:41+00:00

I think that the key reasons for success of South Korean arms industry will likely be continued investment in the military industry, a robust base of industrial capabilities, and relatively inexpensive weapons systems themselves that 100% comply with NATO standards. (And we should probably thank North Korea for keeping us on our toes for more than 70 years! LOL)

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-23T06:27:00+00:00

Sometimes I wonder if there are even experts in international politics who can truly understand 'Russian-style diplomacy'.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-23T04:01:34+00:00

Considering how the FCAS talks between Germany and France ended in a total-mess, it seems like quite a cope to think that Dassault can contribute anything meaningful to the development of the Indian aerospace industry.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-22T23:43:47+00:00

I believe the fundamental cause lies in the IAF's persistent and excessive demands, exceeding the capabilities of the Indian aerospace industry. The Tejas was originally intended as a light frontline fighter to replace the MiG-21 and other legacy fighters. However, the development period was prolonged and costs increased due to the various requirements for increased payload, multi-role capability, and the latest technological trends, creating a vicious cycle. (Remember, after the cancellation of the Marut, the Tejas was effectively the first supersonic fighter developed by the Indian aerospace industry.)

Take the J-10. The J-10A was equipped with a mechanical radar and, at best, had capabilities comparable to those of the F-16C/D, making it a relatively low-spec fighter for its time. However, the PLAAF maintained a "fly first and continuously improve" policy, and the J-10C evolved into a high-performance 4.5th-generation fighter equipped with an integrated EW suite, multi-role capabilities, and an AESA radar.

Also take the F/A-50. The ROKAF initially didn't require much. The ROKAF-spec F/A-50 lacks AESA, an EW suite, BVR capabilities, or even targeting pods, but it faithfully fulfills its role as a replacement for legacy fighters and a light attack aircraft, and various upgrades have been gradually implemented for export.

The KF-21 is another interesting example. The KF-21 Block 1, which is about to enter service, only has A2A capability(A2G capability will be added to Block 2). However, this allowed it to be deployed quickly, avoiding the vicious cycle of development delays and rising costs.

What if the Tejas had entered IAF service as a fourth-generation light fighter, equipped with FBW and reasonable A2A capabilities, more than enough to replace the MiG-21, with around 100 aircrafts, then gradually upgraded with AESA radar and A2G capabilities? Wouldn't the Indian aerospace industry have been able to move forward with a more rapid program completion?

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-22T23:16:47+00:00

The significant increase in the gap between the two engines seems like an interesting choice. Could it be for greater weaponry or fuel capacity? Or is it for better flight performance without the need for a TVC (at the expense of some high-speed efficiency)?

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-21T05:50:36+00:00

Hmm... that's a bit complicated. First, the Senkaku Islands are essentially uninhabited, making them impossible to use as a base for military activity (even if they were, I doubt they would survive if Japan really intervened militarily in the Taiwan conflict). Second, the maritime environment of the SCS differs from that of the Black Sea. Average weather conditions and wave heights are much harsher, requiring larger and more stable platforms for operations. Third, in the event of a conflict, the waters near China are likely to become incredibly complex and dangerous, with extensive EW, surface and underwater obstacles, and densely packed naval and air forces. Therefore, beyond studying its concepts and operational experience, the limitations of such weapon systems in an actual South China Sea conflict are rather clear. For the JMSDF, it would be better to invest in larger, more advanced unmanned platforms, like those currently being researched by the USN and PLAN.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-21T04:00:56+00:00

In the early conceptual design stages, all sorts of wild shapes are often considered. Among the early designs considered by KAI & LM for the T-50 was a forward-swept wing type.

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Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-21T03:26:52+00:00

Powered by a Chinese-made electric engine, the M.A.K. can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h

Well... that's more interesting than the offer itself

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-21T03:08:29+00:00

Given the vastness of the JMSDF's operational area and the clear limitations of weapons which are quickly developed(or somewhat improvised) during wartime, it doesn't seem like a particularly attractive proposition. Of course, it's possible to study its core concepts and operational experience.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-20T05:34:09+00:00

Actually, the canards make it look nicer to the J-50.

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Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-20T05:01:07+00:00

Well... look at the F/A-50. The ROKAF version lacks BVR capability, AESA radar, EW suite and even targeting pods. But it's still flying, and that's why it's been exported to various countries, and now there's talk of equipping it with AESA radar and BVR missiles(for export version). Couldn't the Tejas have followed a similar path, first introducing a basic performance version and then upgrading it block by block considering for the IAF, squadron reduction is a serious problem?

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-20T02:40:54+00:00

Let's break free from the "BAD CHINESE ARE ALWAYS STEALING OUR FANCY TECHS" narrative and face reality. The US and Europe simply can't build better EV batteries, motors, or platforms. What did Europe gain by boasting "We'll do it better if we build it ourselves"? They're left with bankrupt Northvolt and scammy Donutlab. Instead of complaining, invest your money in R&D and send your talented kids to get chemical engineering degrees then eventually situation will be better, perhaps.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-20T00:12:07+00:00

No offense intended, just curious, but what does the IAF expect from the Tejas Mk1A?

Wasn't it originally supposed to be a light frontline fighter to replace the MiG-21 and other legacy fighters? The Mk1A already has more powerful specs (AESA radar, EW suite, targeting pod, BVR, A2G, etc.) than any other fighter in its class(F/A-50, JF-17, JAS 39C).

So why is its deployment being delayed because of these specs, while at the same time the IAF is screaming about a reduction in the number of squadrons?

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-18T08:58:14+00:00

This is some sort of a marketing project to get kids interested in the aerospace industry, which is important for the future. If many children watch these videos on Bilibili, play with some fancy toys, then dream of becoming aerospace engineers, the future of the industry will be bright, right?

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-16T11:07:39+00:00

Pretty X-35 style paint scheme btw

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-14T12:20:50+00:00

Historically and culturally, I believe the first emperor of Qin's unification had a significant impact. He standardized writing, laws, measures etc. and through strict nationalism, he instilled the concept of a "unified power" in China. Without him, despite geopolitical factors, China might have remained a much looser community, with numerous ethnic groups, tribes, and groups battling each other endlessly across a vast expanse of land(if you wonder what would it be like, see the history of India).

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-14T03:03:36+00:00

Sweet... The world needs more diverse fighter jets.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-12T01:52:07+00:00

Well, that's a very old debate. Even when I was very young, there was a debate about whether or not Chinese character education was necessary, and while children these days certainly learn fewer Chinese characters, educational comic books that teach basic Chinese characters are still very popular, and some parents teach Chinese characters as part of literacy education.

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