Transport planes boost PLA abilities

New Y-9 aircraft can carry more cargo over greater distances

The People's Liberation Army Ground Force has put two Y-9 transport planes into service, a move that reflects its aspiration to build stronger strategic projection capabilities.

On Friday, a Y-9 turboprop transport aircraft was delivered to an aviation brigade of the 81st Group Army, becoming the second of its type to be fielded by the Ground Force. In December 2016, the brigade received the Ground Force's first Y-9.