November 15th (AMSP/CGTN) – – Now to Zhuhai where the excitement continues at the ongoing 2024 air show. Today we look at China’s J-15 and J-35 aircraft, which are both designed to operate from an aircraft carrier. The two jets have come a long way since the country’s air force began developing its own aerospace technologies and military equipment.
With the debut of the fifth-generation fighter jet, the J-35A, China’s remarkable progress in fighter jet development has garnered praise from several pilots. However, the nation’s self-developed journey only began 16 years ago with the J-10’s maiden flight.
” The J-10 holds a pivotal role in China’s aviation history, establishing the technical groundwork for subsequent aircraft, notably the fly-by-wire flight control system. Its maiden flight on March 23, 1998, moved many to tears, ” Former Air Force Test Pilot Li Zhonghua told CGTN’s Xu Hua.
Regarding the evaluation of the progress of the Chinese Air Force, from the J-10 to the J-35A, Li Zhonghua believes the key achievement is their transformation in informatization and systemization. With the advanced information capabilities of the J-35 and J-20, they can serve as combat hubs and rule the battlefield, he said.
China announced on Tuesday that the J-35 aircraft will soon be deployed on aircraft carriers, alongside the J-15, a heavy carrier-based multirole fighter.
Some pilots say that they are impressed by the rapid development speed of China’s fifth-generation aircraft, which can quickly integrate into military operations. ” The pinnacle of aviation is carrier-based aircraft, and you have already designed and developed fifth-generation planes for such critical tasks. This inspires immense respect for your aviation industry and army, ” Russian Su-57 Pilot Sergey Bogdan pointed out.
China’s advancements in carrier-based aircraft are poised to position it as a leading player in the global aviation industry, with significant implications for national security and international competitiveness.
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CGTN