China's Expanding Presence in MENA: Future Implications for the Air Domain

This research report assesses the potential future impact of China’s presence on the regional military operational environment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), focusing specifically on the air domain. In the foreseeable future, China's growing involvement in MENA may create palpable challenges to the air forces operating in the area. These forces will need to anticipate the potential operational implications of China’s presence in MENA by analyzing the impact of Chinese-exported capabilities on their freedom of action, monitoring the development of Chinese technological and military capabilities, and considering the associated risks raised by technology and arms transfers to the region.