China's top 5 weapons systems, from stealth fighters to anti-ballistic missiles
Zero in on the five most advanced weapons systems that were on display at the recent Zhuhai Air Show
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India.com
25-06-2025
- India.com
Big blow to Pakistan as China may not give J-35A stealth fighter jet to Islamabad soon, may deliver the jet first to...
Big blow to Pakistan as China may not give J-35A stealth fighter jet to Islamabad soon, may deliver the net first to.. J-35A Stealth Fighter Jet: Pakistan, China's close ally, may not be the first country to acquire the Dragon's fifth-generation stealth fighter Shenyang J-35A. A report published in Air Forces Monthly, which is a leading military aviation magazine published by Key Publishing Ltd in Stamford and Lincolnshire, rejects earlier reports saying that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) would receive its first batch of 40 J-35A fighter aircraft by August 2025. As per the magazine, another country, whose name has not been disclosed, will be the first recipient of China's fifth-generation fighter jet. Notably, delivery of the J-35A to Pakistan is expected to be delayed until 2026 or later, and it will also take two to three years for completion of the order. Notably, the fifth-generation stealth fighter has entered Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP). J-35A Stealth Fighter Jet The fifth-generation stealth fighter jet is developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, which was unveiled in November last year at the Zhuhai Air Show. J-35A is a twin-engine, multi-role fighter jet which is known for its stealth feature. It is the second fifth-generation stealth jet of China after the Chengdu J-20. The J-35A is specifically designed for precision strike mission and loaded with advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars and stealth-optimised airframe. It is also designed to be compatible with long-range missiles like the PL-17. Framed as a more affordable export option compared to US's F-35, the J-35A is designed to strengthen the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and act as a major export offering for partner nations such as Pakistan. Pakistan's Interest In J-35A Pakistan started showing interest in J-35A in December last year. As per several reports, Islamabad had ordered approx 40 J-35A fighter jets with a defence package including KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft and HQ-19 surface-to-air missile systems. Promoted as a game-changer for the PAF, the deal was anticipated to offer a short-term technological advantage over IAF, which is not expected to field a fifth-gen fighter until its homegrown Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) becomes operational around 2030. Not only that Pak's pilots reportedly started training on the fifth-generation stealth fighter in August 2024 in China. However, the latest report from Air Forces Monthly, citing sources, states that an unnamed country, possibly Egypt, Algeria, or Saudi Arabia, may become the first to acquire the J-35A during its LRIP phase. The report doesn't specify why China holds Pak's order, but suggests that Beijing is prioritising other customers. If the report is true, PAF will start receiving J-35A in 2026, with the full order of 40 jets completed between 2028 or 2029. The identity of the unnamed country could carry a major geopolitical weight. If a Middle Eastern like – Saudi Arabia or Egypt acquires the J-35A fighter aircraft, it may indicate China's ambition to extend its defence reach beyond its traditional partners like Pakistan, reshaping regional power dynamics.
Mint
22-05-2025
- Mint
7,000 km range, capacity to carry 6 tonnes of ammunition: All about China's new drone 'mothership' Jiu Tian
China's cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), dubbed Jiu Tian or 'High Sky,' is preparing to embark on its first mission before the end of June, marking a significant milestone in the country's growing drone warfare capabilities,reported the South China Morning Post. As per the publication, State broadcaster CCTV confirmed the upcoming flight on Monday, which will initiate a series of operational tests before the aircraft is formally adopted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show in November, Jiu Tian has attracted considerable attention for its formidable specifications and potential to transform aerial operations, the report said. This high-altitude, long-range drone is designed to act as a 'mother ship,' capable of launching swarms of smaller drones and loitering munitions mid-air, significantly enhancing China's combat reach and strategic versatility. With a wingspan of 25 metres and a maximum take-off weight of 16 tonnes, the jet-powered UAV can ascend to 15,000 metres (approximately 50,000 feet) and boasts an operational range of 7,000 kilometres, highlights the report. It can carry up to six tonnes of payload, including up to 100 kamikaze drones or loitering munitions, deployed from dual bays on either side of its fuselage. This enables coordinated swarm attacks and allows the UAV to bypass traditional air defence systems. Reportedly, equipped with eight hardpoints, the aircraft can support a variety of payloads suited to missions ranging from surveillance and reconnaissance to electronic warfare. The modular construction of the payload bay also allows for use in civilian and non-combat roles such as border control, maritime surveillance, emergency rescue, and environmental monitoring. As per the report, the Jiu Tian was developed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and manufactured by Xian Chida Aircraft Parts Manufacturing, under the umbrella of Guangzhou Haige Communications. It adds another layer to China's expanding drone fleet, which already includes advanced models like the stealthy CH-7 and the anti-submarine Wing Loong-X. Reportedly, military analysts view the Jiu Tian as a potential rival to leading American UAVs such as the RQ-4 Global Hawk and MQ-9 Reaper. While the Global Hawk operates at higher altitudes with advanced reconnaissance capabilities, it lacks strike functionality. The Reaper, meanwhile, is a multi-role drone but carries less than half the payload of the Jiu Tian.
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Taiwan invasion soon? China unveils drone 'mothership' Jiu Tian that can carry 100 attack drones
China is set to unveil the world's first drone 'mothership'—the Jiu Tian carrier—designed to launch up to 100 AI-guided kamikaze drones. With a range of 7,000 km and advanced swarm-launch capabilities, Jiu Tian could change the rules of aerial warfare. Unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show 2024, it mirrors and surpasses Western systems like the MQ-9 Reaper and the RQ-4 Global Hawk. As China escalates threats to Taiwan, this new technology signals a major shift in military power. Watch to learn how Jiu Tian could impact the Taiwan Strait and global security.
