PLA Air Force activates J-10C fighter jet
By Liu Xin Source: Global Times Published: 2018/4/16
China has activated its new J-10C fighter jets, which marks an improvement in the combat capabilities and defense of the Air Force of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Air Force announced in a statement on Monday.
The J-10C is a third generation home-made fighter with multiple functions and is equipped with an avionics system. It is also equipped with multiple advanced weapons capable of strike missions on land and marine targets, said the statement released on the PLA Air Force's Weibo account.
The fighter jet was first unveiled to the public at the military parade marking the 90th founding anniversary of the PLA in July 2017 and has attracted wide attention.
The J-10C is the first fighter jet designed, made and managed by China, and lays the foundation for the development of the J-20, Song Zhongping, a military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times.
Advanced technologies, including a diverterless supersonic inlet and phased array radar, were first tested on the J-10C before being adopted by the J-20, which is China's most advanced stealth fighter, Song said.
The air force armed the J-20 in February 2018 and the jet was publically showcased in a fly-by at the
Zhuhai air show in November 2016.
The J-10C could be used as the main fighter of the Air Force and PLA Navy and has attracted wide attention, especially in Taiwan, according to Song.
Taiwan's Central News Agency reported in November 2016 that the J-10C is more streamlined than the J-10B, thus reducing drag.
"Together with other advanced fighter jets, the J-10C, which has strong air combat capabilities, would play an important role in potential battles across the Taiwan Straits or island disputes in the South China Sea," Song said.
The Air Force said on Monday that J-10C fighters have been involved in actual combat training and played a great role in combat maneuvers, Red Sword 2016 and Red Sword 2017, which serves as the foundation for the combat capabilities of the PLA Air Force.
The PLA Air Force has quickly developed and become a major influence in controlling disputes and crises, stopping wars and winning any battle, according to the PLA Air Force.
Shen Jinke, PLA Air Force spokesperson, was quoted in the statement as saying that China's opening-up and reform cannot succeed without a peaceful environment.
The Air Force has made all efforts to train soldiers and prepare for actual battle, and to enhance their defense capabilities and strategic projection capability to protect China's airspace and national interests, Shen said.