China deploys its most advanced fighter jets in drills for the first time.
(Baonghean.vn) - In an announcement on January 12, the Air Force of the People's Liberation Army of China deployed its most advanced combat aircraft, the J-20 stealth fighter, to participate in exercises with other modern aircraft.
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| Two J-20 fighter jets conduct a training exercise. Photo: THX |
According to the announcement, several J-20 aircraft participated in a series of combat exercises with less modern aircraft including the J-16 and J10C. The exercises took place over the past nine days at an undisclosed air base.
This marks the first time the air force has confirmed the J-20's participation in combat exercises. Last July, the air force deployed three J-20s to a parade at the Zhurihe training base in Inner Mongolia, taking the opportunity to publicly reveal some details of the fighter jet's cockpit for the first time.
Wu Peixin, a Chinese aviation observer, said that deploying J-20s in combat exercises not only helps pilots familiarize themselves with the aircraft as early as possible, but also helps them hone their skills in operating this advanced fifth-generation aircraft in real combat.
According to expert Wu, China is currently facing a major challenge in the Asia-Pacific airspace from the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters deployed by the United States and Japan.
Yang Wei, who participated in the design of the J-20, predicts that this fighter jet will be the "backbone" of the Chinese air force for the next 20 years.