People's Liberation Army Air Force (China) (Page 2)

Latest in People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

A recently emerged image shows a very large, low-observable, flying-wing aircraft flying in China. While the identity of the aircraft cannot be definitively established, it matches, in many respects, the appearance of the huge drone that TWZ was first to identify in satellite imagery dating from earlier this summer, and which you can read more about here.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Large Stealth Flying Wing Aircraft Photographed Over China

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 20, 2025

Another chinese stealthy tailless combat jet emerges.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

New Chinese Stealth Tactical Jet Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Aug 5, 2025

While the J-20S was officially unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow last year, there are rumors that it might be publicly unveiled as an operational PLAAF asset in September of this year, when the PLAAF marks the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Two-Seat J-20 Stealth Fighter Poised To Enter Operational Service

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jul 8, 2025

Chinese WIG aircraft.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Mysterious Ekranoplan Seen In Full For First Time

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jul 5, 2025

A new photo provides our best view so far of the Shenyang J-35, China’s next-generation carrier-based fighter. It’s part of a relative flurry of imagery showing some of China’s latest military aircraft. In sharp contrast to the blurry or heavily edited shots we have become familiar with out of China in the past, these various higher-quality images provide a fascinating snapshot of the breadth of developments taking place right now in China’s military aerospace realm.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s J-35 Naval Stealth Fighter Seen Like Never Before

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 20, 2025

Mysterious chinese flying wing aircraft that could be the H-20 bomber appears in satellite image.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Massive Stealth Flying Wing Emerges At Secretive Chinese Base

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jun 14, 2025

J-36 head-on image.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s J-36 Very Heavy Stealth Tactical Jet Photographed Head-On For First Time

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on May 31, 2025

Aircraft like the KJ-3000 help Chinese forces extend and support anti-access and area denial bubbles, including around the mainland, Taiwan, and the hotly contested South China Sea, as well as project power further afield.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s New KJ-3000 Airborne Early Warning Radar Jet Seen In Detail In New Image

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 27, 2025

As the dust settles, for now, on the latest clashes between India and Pakistan, it’s clear that the nations’ respective air forces played a very active role in the fighting. At this stage, details of what happened are still extremely hard to come by, with seemingly endless claims and counterclaims, especially around possible shootdowns, and very little in the way of verifiable facts about how the air-to-air engagements played out. However, many observers are already pointing to the potentially significant impact of the Pakistan Air Force’s Chinese-made Chengdu J-10C multirole fighters, as well as their vaunted PL-15 air-to-air missiles.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s J-10C Fighter: Separating Myth From Reality

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 15, 2025

New Views Of China’s Next Generation Fighters
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

New Views Of China’s Next Generation Fighters

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 24, 2025

J-10C Egypt
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China Deploys J-10 Fighters To Egypt

By Howard Altman

Updated on Apr 21, 2025

J-50 tailless fighter's canopy seen for first time.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Canopy Seen Clearly On China’s Next Gen Tailless Stealth Fighter For First Time

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Apr 16, 2025

We have gotten our best look so far at China’s enigmatic KJ-700 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). This latest addition to China’s rapidly proliferating family of AEW&C platforms remains somewhat mysterious, although multiple accounts suggest that it’s something of a unique ‘dual-mode’ aircraft, combining both airborne radar as well as an array of electro-optical and infrared sensors, likely intended to track stealthy and low-radar-signature targets.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s New KJ-700 Multi-Intelligence Radar Plane’s Interesting Features

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 14, 2025

J-36 flies over highway
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s J-36 Tailless Fighter Zips Over Road On Landing Giving Us Our Best Look Yet

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 7, 2025

J-50 images out of china of the new stealth fighter prototype
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s ‘J-50’ Tailless Stealth Fighter Seen In New Imagery

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Apr 4, 2025

China’s KD-21 air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM), a shadowy weapon that is widely seen as part of the country’s rapidly developing anti-shipping armory, appears to now be in operational service. The missile, carried by the H-6K bomber, made its public debut at Airshow China in Zhuhai in November 2022, but until now had not been confirmed as being carried by aircraft assigned to frontline unit.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s KD-21 Air-Launched Ballistic Missile Appears To Be Operational

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 1, 2025

J36 second flight from its base in Chengdu.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s J-36 Tailless Stealth Fighter Seen Flying For Second Time

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Mar 17, 2025

China’s Massive WZ-9 Divine Eagle Drone Now Operating From South China Sea Base
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Massive WZ-9 Divine Eagle Drone Now Operating From South China Sea Base

By Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Feb 25, 2025

New imagery has appeared showing the Chinese J-20 stealth fighter carrying external air-to-air missiles, mirroring the so-called ‘beast mode’ that we’ve seen on U.S. fifth-generation fighters.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s J-20 Fighter Is Now Flying In ‘Beast Mode’

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Feb 10, 2025

A newly emerged photo of the still-mysterious Chinese tailless combat aircraft, likely from the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, which first appeared last month, provides a better view of the rear aspect of the jet. This would appear to confirm that the aircraft’s outer wing sections, as we had previously suggested, act as moving control surfaces.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Mysterious Tailless Stealth Fighter Has Swiveling Wingtips

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jan 27, 2025

Analysis of china's new stealth tailless fighter aircraft
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

What China’s Next Generation Stealth Jet Reveal Really Means

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jan 15, 2025

Pictures have emerged of what looks to be the first known example of a new Chinese airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft based on the four-engine Y-20 cargo plane commonly referred to as the KJ-3000.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s New Domestically Developed Y-20 Airborne Early Warning Jet Spotted

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Dec 27, 2024

6th gen flying wing aircraft china
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China Stuns With Heavy Stealth Tactical Jet’s Sudden Appearance (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick and Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Dec 26, 2024

It appears that another new Chinese combat aircraft design has entered flight testing. Imagery of the previously unseen aircraft began to circulate on social media today, only a matter of hours after the first appearance of a remarkable diamond-shaped tailless combat aircraft design, thought to be a Chengdu product.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Yes, China Just Flew Another Tailless Next-Generation Stealth Combat Aircraft

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 26, 2024

China’s H-20 Stealth Bomber Unlikely To ‘Debut’ Until 2030s, According To U.S. Intel
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s H-20 Stealth Bomber Unlikely To ‘Debut’ Until 2030s, According To U.S. Intel

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Dec 18, 2024

Visitors view a model of the aviation industry J-35A stealth fighter jet at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Expo in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, China, on November 10, 2024.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

New Version Of Chinese PL-15 Air-To-Air Missile Tailored For Stealth Fighters Revealed

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 11, 2024

China’s mysterious CH-7 stealthy flying-wing drone seems to have reappeared, although with a notably different look to it and a very impressive size.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Stealth CH-7 Long-Endurance Drone Emerges

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 8, 2024

A new large jet-powered Chinese armed drone said to have a 10-ton maximum takeoff weight, or a mockup thereof, has emerged, and the design looks to be at least configurable to be a swarm mothership.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

New Heavyweight Chinese Jet Drone Looks To Be A Swarm Mothership

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 6, 2024

China’s J-35A Stealth Fighter Officially Breaks Cover
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s J-35A Stealth Fighter Officially Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Nov 5, 2024

Popping China's Anti-access bubble with the AIM-174
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

18:41

How The Navy’s New Very Long-Range AIM-174 Missile Could Pierce China’s Anti-Access Bubble

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Oct 3, 2024

Collins Aerospace has put forward a vision for what a high-end air combat engagement between the U.S. and Chinese armed forces, with the American side employing crewed fighters and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone wingmen, could look like in the future.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

What American Fighters And Their Drone Wingmen Fighting Chinese Jets Might Look Like

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 20, 2024

The U.S. Air Force has no plans to acquire stealthy uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) capable of operating with very high degrees of autonomy independently of crewed aircraft, at least in the near term publicly, despite surging Chinese developments in this domain.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

No Flying Wing UCAVs Being Developed By U.S. Air Force While China Surges Ahead

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 17, 2024

We have just gotten our clearest view so far of a Chinese J-20 stealth fighter powered by the definitive WS-15 domestically produced engines. While the appearance of the photo at this point raises a number of questions, it’s meanwhile clear that the significant shortcoming of the J-20 — its powerplant — appears to have now been addressed.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Our Best Look Yet At China’s J-20A Fighter With WS-15 Engines 

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 9, 2024

Satellite imagery and videos offer new evidence of a surge in the development of the stealthy flying-wing uncrewed combat air vehicles in China, especially with regard to the GJ-11 Sharp Sword.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Chinese Flying Wing UCAV Testing Accelerating Based On Satellite Imagery, Videos

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 5, 2024

Alternatively known as the Y-9LG, the Y-8GX-12 is another ECM version based on the Y-8 Category III Platform. It was first identified in satellite imagery in late 2017. Surprisingly, considering its assumed role, the Y-8GX-12 has a ‘balance beam’ radar antenna above its fuselage, as found on the KJ-200 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. It is believed, however, that the radar aboard the Y-8GX-12 is instead used for long-range jamming, using its powerful electronically scanned radar beams to suppress enemy radar signals.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Our Best Look Yet At China’s New Standoff Electronic Warfare Plane

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 30, 2024

Japan reports that a Chinese Y-9Z surveillance aircraft violated its airspace in what it says is the first time such an incident has taken place.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Chinese Electronic Intelligence Plane Makes Unprecedented Incursion Into Japanese Airspace

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 26, 2024

Chinese drone maker Tengden says it has conducted the first flight of a new cargo drone with a multi-metric-ton cargo capacity.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Chinese Cargo Drone Capable Of Carrying Two Tons Has Flown

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 12, 2024

An already massive hangar in northwestern China is now even bigger after receiving a 300-foot-long extension.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Gigantic Secretive Blimp Hangar Has Gotten Even Larger

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 6, 2024

F-15EX and J16, both two seaters, but one uses the second crewman in a different capacity than the traditional weapon system officer role.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

USAF Should Look At China’s Future Multi-Crew Fighter Model For F-15EX

By Major Joshua "Soup" Campbell

Posted on Jul 25, 2024

Chinese H-6-series aircraft have flown off the coast of Alaska for what appears to be the first time in an important show of force along with Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Chinese H-6 Missile Carrier Jets Appear For The First Time Off Alaska (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 25, 2024

Progressively clearer photos of one of Shenyang’s prototype fighters seems to reveal key features different to those found on the carrier-based J-35, as well as on the earlier FC-31 prototypes. This raises questions about China’s own plans for a potential land-based variant, as well as future export plans, with Pakistan known to have made official plans to acquire a version of the jet.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Land-Based Variant Of China’s J-35 Naval Stealth Fighter Makes Sense

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 31, 2024

Nearly 50 warplanes, along with ships and assets ashore, took part in the first day of what Chinese authorities have dubbed "punishment" drills encircling Taiwan following the inauguration of the island's latest President.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s “Punishment” Drills Around Taiwan: Day One

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 24, 2024

Footage has been published, apparently for the first time, showing a Chinese H-6 bomber dropping one of the shadowy air-launched ballistic missiles known by the designation 2PZD-21. The missile is part of a growing armory of Chinese aero-ballistic missiles and is widely understood to be a ‘carrier-killer’ weapon designed to be used as part of the country’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy. However, many questions remain about the role of the weapon and its capabilities.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s H-6K Bomber Seen Firing Air-Launched Ballistic Missile For First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 1, 2024

H-20_CONCEPT_ART_PLAAF
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s H-20 Stealth Bomber “Not Really” A Concern: U.S. Official

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 23, 2024

A picture has emerged purportedly showing a Chinese H-6 bomber carrying a large mystery payload underneath its fuselage.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Black Mystery Craft Spotted Slung Under Chinese H-6 Bomber

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 23, 2024

Chinese Flanker photographed with PL-17 very long-range air-to-air missile
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Massive PL-17 Air-To-Air Missile Seen On Chinese J-16 Fighters

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Dec 2, 2023

A People’s Republic of China J-11 pilot executed an unsafe intercept of a U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft, which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Chinese Flanker’s “Unsafe” Intercept Seen From B-52’s Sniper Pod

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 26, 2023

Y-20B RAMP
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Our Best Look At China’s Re-Engined Y-20B Cargo Jet

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 6, 2023

KJ500 AEW&C
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Massive Fleet Of Radar Planes And The Strategy Behind It

By Thomas Newdick, Andreas Rupprecht

Posted on Apr 5, 2023

CHINESE TAILLESS FIGHTER
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Tailless Warplane Concept May Provide Clues To China’s Future Fighter Ambitions

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 18, 2023

Our First Full Look At China’s Own ‘Mother Of All Bombs’
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Our First Full Look At China’s Own ‘Mother Of All Bombs’

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 11, 2022

China’s H-6K Bomber Spotted With New Air-Launched Ballistic Missile
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s H-6K Bomber Spotted With New Air-Launched Ballistic Missile

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 3, 2022

CHINA_SIXTH-GEN
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China Is Working On Its Own Sixth-Generation Fighter Program: Official

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 28, 2022

J-15_ARLEIGH_BURKE copy
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Chinese J-15 Fighters Fly Directly Over U.S. Navy Destroyer In New Video

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 26, 2022

Air Force Generals Aren’t “Losing Sleep” Over China’s J-20 Stealth Fighter
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Air Force Generals Aren’t “Losing Sleep” Over China’s J-20 Stealth Fighter

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 23, 2022

J-20_decoy_topshot
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Mysterious J-20 Fighter-Like Shapes Appear At Remote Chinese Airbase

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Sep 15, 2022

J-20 missiles
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

A Guide To China’s Increasingly Impressive Air-To-Air Missile Inventory

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 1, 2022

H-20_MODEL_AVIC
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Do These Models Provide A Glimpse Of China’s Future H-20 Bomber? (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 22, 2022

J-10D Big Spine
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s J-10 Fighter Spotted In New ‘Big Spine’ Configuration (Updated)

By Tyler Rogoway, Emma Helfrich

Posted on Jul 19, 2022

H-20_CONCEPT_ART_PLAAF
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

First Flight For China’s H-20 Stealth Bomber Could Be Imminent: Report

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 8, 2022

J-16_FLARES
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Chinese Fighter’s Decoy Dump In Front Of A P-8 Sets Dangerous New Precedent (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 6, 2022

YJ-21 H6 anti-ship ballistic missile
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

This Is Our Best Look Yet At China’s Air-Launched ‘Carrier Killer’ Missile

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 20, 2022

China’s Y-20 Cargo Jet Has An Upper Passenger Deck That Can Be Installed In Its Hold
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Y-20 Cargo Jet Has An Upper Passenger Deck That Can Be Installed In Its Hold

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Apr 12, 2022

Half A Dozen Chinese Y-20 Cargo Jets Popped Up Over Europe Last Night (Updated)
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Half A Dozen Chinese Y-20 Cargo Jets Popped Up Over Europe Last Night (Updated)

By Stetson Payne and Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Apr 10, 2022