China urged to add fixed-wing aircraft

China is haunted by the lack of a fixed-wing aircraft specializing in maritime search, experts said, adding that the government should pay attention to the issue.

"Take a look at the fixed-wing aircraft involved in the current search for the missing Flight MH370. The US navy has assigned two Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft to the mission. The air forces of Australia, South Korea, New Zealand and Japan have sent several Lockheed P-3 series planes," said Cui Yiliang, an expert on ships and naval armament in Beijing. "By contrast, China dispatched two transport aircraft, Ilyushin IL-76s."

The IL-76 is undoubtedly an advanced airlifter, but compared to the P-3 and P-8 series, the Russian-developed aircraft is much weaker when it comes to maritime search and rescue operations, according to Cui.