BREAKING

China showcases Mighty Dragon new stealth fighter J-20

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Nov 2022 15:28

For the first time ever, the People's Liberation Army Air Force reveals its stealth fighter J-20, nicknamed the Mighty Dragon, during the 14th International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition.

J-20 stealth fighter

China launched the 14th International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in the southern port city of Zhuhai, with the participation of more than 740 companies from 43 countries.

According to CGTN, the exhibition is a chance to showcase advanced aerospace technologies and equipment from China and abroad and unveil Beijing's advanced technology in the aerospace and national defense sectors.

The People's Liberation Army Air Force is displaying a range of equipment and weapons, including aircraft, intercontinental drones, and penetrating ballistic missiles.

During the exhibition, China revealed for the first time the stealth fighter J-20, nicknamed the Mighty Dragon.

The exhibition, which lasts for six days and is held every two years, is a platform for China and the participating countries to showcase the latest technologies in civil and military aviation technology.

In addition to the new stealth aircraft, Beijing has also unveiled its latest versions of combat and intercontinental drones.

With the J-20, of which Beijing owns about 200 aircraft, China has become the second country in the world - after the US - to own fifth-generation fighters.

Beijing also displayed the Wing Loong third-generation intercontinental unmanned aerial vehicle, which is capable of carrying 16 missiles and bombs.

The director of the Asset Management Department of the China Space Corporation, Wan Yanhui, said the total amount of contracts signed this year exceeded the previous cycle, pointing out that the purchase deals amounted to 50 billion yuan (about $7 billion).

Wan noted that China exports military products to more than 50 countries, including countries in Africa and the Middle East, surpassing Russia to become the second-largest arms producer in the world.

The 14th International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition comes at a time of increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, as Beijing has deployed more than 100 aircraft of its new J-20 fighters along its southern coastal strip.