PLA shows off its sky warriors

Visitors to the 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which closed on Nov 6 in Zhuhai, were treated to displays of some of the People's Liberation Army Air Force's best aircraft.

It attracted more than 700 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions and 400,000 visitors.

A total of 151 aircraft were displayed, including China's advanced J-20 stealth fighter, which is believed to be only the third stealth fighter jet in the world.

Wu Peixin, a military aviation observer in Beijing, said the J-20 features a host of cutting-edge technologies, such as an optical system that allows pilots to detect and track enemy aircraft and missiles in every direction simultaneously.

The Air Force also sent its J-10B fighter jet. It's an improved variant of the J-10A, China's first domestically developed fourth-generation fighter.

Other exhibits included the Y-20 strategic transport plane, the KJ-500 early-warning and control aircraft, the H-6K long-range bomber and the CJ-20 land-attack cruise missile, as well as advanced combat drones.

Senior Colonel Wang Zhonghua, head of the Air Force's equipment planning bureau, said: "These exhibits represent the Air Force's achievements in its modernization drive over the past few years. Next, we will make public even more advanced equipment."

A CH-5 combat drone, one of the most powerful unmanned combat aircraft in the world, on display. Feng Yongbin / Xinhua

Two J-20 stealth fighter jets perform aerobatic maneuvers during the 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition held in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. Feng Yongbin / China Daily

The PLA Air Force's Y-20 strategic transport plane draws a crowd of onlookers. Feng Yongbin / China Daily

Spectators photograph J-10 fighter jets at the air show. Feng Yongbin / China Daily

J-10 fighter jets perform at the air show. Feng Yongbin / China Daily

Unmanned combat drones designed and made in China. Liang Xu / Xinhua

An aerobatic team from Russia creates special effects. Li Gang / Xinhua

A VT-5 tank on public display at the Zhuhai Air Show. Feng Yongbin / China Daily

Britain's Royal Air Force aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, perform. Xinhua

(China Daily Africa Weekly 11/11/2016 page4)