TOPIC

China’s air force

China’s air force
Latest news and updates on the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, including military drills, the development of fighter jets, spending, reforms and modernisation.
last updated:
16 October, 2024
China’s H-20 bomber may debut “sometime in the next decade” and will have a range of “more than 10,000km”, latest Pentagon report to US Congress says. Photo: X/ SouthToday5
US-China relations

China’s H-20 long-range stealth bomber has years to go before debut: Pentagon

The H-20 programme, first revealed by the PLA in 2016, is seen as Beijing’s answer to America’s B-2 Spirit and B-21 Raider bombers.

videocam
46
China's military weapons

Bangladesh said to be eyeing China’s J-10C fighters to upgrade air force fleet

Drones

PLA Air Force to hold public competition in bid to source ‘low-cost’ drones

videocam
10
China’s aircraft carriers

The J-35 Gyrfalcon will be key to China’s power projection on the high seas

The PLA’s second stealth warplane, touted as the military’s answer to the American F-35, made its debut this week.

videocam
The J-35A made its debut at this week’s Zhuhai air show. Photo: CCTV
Zhuhai air show

Zhuhai air show gives closer look at China’s latest stealth fighter, the J-35A

Jet put through its paces in an opening aerial display along with the J-20.

videocam
4
China's military weapons

China’s air force marks anniversary with film of ‘deadly combination’ of jets

The PLA showed its J-20 stealth fighter in combination with an electronic warfare plane and two other advanced warplanes.

videocam
5
Advertisement
Advertisement
China's military weapons

China’s Zhuhai air show to feature vision for next-generation warplanes

The model known as the White Emperor highlights proposals for a supersonic fighter capable of operating beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.

videocam
28
The model of the White Emperor on show in Zhuhai. Photo: Handout
China's military weapons

From fighter jets to attack drones, China’s biggest air show is about to open

The J-35A stealth fighter will make its debut at the biennial event, along with the HQ-19 anti-ballistic missile.

12
Taiwan

Xi visits PLA paratroopers whose mission is to ‘liberate Taiwan’

President calls for ‘all-out efforts’ to improve combat readiness after inspecting bird-like spy drones and next-gen armoured vehicles.

videocam
9
China-India relations

New air force chief calls for India to ‘catch up’ with China on defence tech

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh says the country is lagging behind its neighbour on technology and production of equipment.

19
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh said none of the 83 Tejas Mark-1A combat aircraft due for delivery this year had been received. Photo: defence.in
South China Sea

4 triggers can spark PLA interceptions in South China Sea: Beijing think tank

South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative releases report on navigation and overflight situations in vast, disputed waterway.

videocam
PLA Navy destroyers take part in combat drills in the South China Sea in June. According to the think tank SCSPI, frictions with foreign forces mainly develop when they approach the Chinese mainland or its territorial waters and airspace. Photo: CCTV
Zhuhai air show

China says drones, counter-drone systems to dominate at biggest Zhuhai air show

Sections featuring firms from France, Italy, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the US to go on show as expo seeks more international visitors.

videocam
China’s military

China showcases Y-20 transport plane, other exports at South Africa air show

Beijing is actively promoting sales of the Y-20, its flagship heavy-lifting aircraft that is used to move troops and equipment.

videocam
China’s military

China’s WZ-7 drone, bomber team up for drill as ‘Ukraine lesson learned’

CCTV airs first official footage of WZ-7 and bomber jet taking part in joint air attack during drills at undisclosed location.

videocam
29
The WZ-7 Soaring Dragon high-altitude reconnaissance drone is one of China’s largest such aircraft and can be used for border reconnaissance and maritime patrol missions. Photo: CCTV
China’s military

China’s stealth drone sightings hint at future role as fighter jet ‘wingmen’

Chinese and US air forces are exploring ways to pair manned and unmanned aircraft as they revamp fighter jet programmes, observers say.

5
China’s GJ-11 drone is showcased during Airshow China in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, in September 2021. Photo: EPA-EFE
China’s military

China has reportedly tested a next-generation carrier-based fighter jet

A documentary on state media refers to take-offs by the new jet from the deck of the Liaoning, but offers no further information or images of the aircraft.

67
China’s military

Chinese, Russian navy, air forces to hold joint drills again in Sea of Japan

Second such joint drills in as many years come amid tensions between Beijing and Tokyo over support for US efforts to pressure China.

videocam
22
Advertisement
Advertisement
China’s military

Speedy, small drones prove a tough target as PLA drills mimic swarm attack

First round of anti-aircraft artillery launched against drone swarm during PLA exercise achieved only 40 per cent damage, CCTV report says.

videocam
13
The combined use of electronic jamming systems, surface-to-air missiles and automatic rifles will be able to raise the hit rate against drone swarms, according to a military commentator. Photo: Handout
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement