China’s Air Force Boosts Tech by Buying European Companies

China just came a step closer in its bid to challenge U.S. airpower. On May 19, Guangdong Elecpro Electric Appliance Holding, a Chinese firm, announced plans to acquire two European aerospace companies.

One company, the Swiss-based Mistral Engines SA, manufactures engines for light aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned military vehicles (often called “drones”). The second company, Germany’s SkyTrac, develops helicopters with dual rotors.

Previous purchases include Aviation Industry Corporation of China’s (AVIC) acquisition of Austria’s Fischer Advanced Composite Components in 2009, and Germany’s Thielert Aircraft Engines in 2013, according to IHS Jane’s, a leading defense and security analysis company.

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