On 26 May 2025, a post on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo.cn featured images from a recent PLAAF air combat exercise. The activity was almost certainly focused on preparations for potential operations aimed at reclaiming Taiwan. The munitions loads and aircraft configurations observed during the exercise indicate alignment with mission profiles tailored to counter the defensive tactics Taiwan is likely to employ. It is highly likely that China recognises the advantage held by the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) light fighter fleet in within-visual-range (WVR) air combat, and is also actively working to improve its pilots’ proficiency in mitigating this specific threat.

Images Sourced From: Alert5, Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan),