Illumination of a US military F-35 flying in formation
“Multiple roles in one aircraft”
China will introduce the aircraft to its air force and navy, similar to the US F-35, which has three variants: the F-35A for the Air Force, the F-35B for the Marine Corps, and the F-35C for the US Navy. I’m planning something. .
The F-35A can take off from Air Force runways, the F-35B can hover and land vertically on Marine Corps amphibious attack ships, and the wide-winged F-35C is used for U.S. carrier landings. There is. Navy.
Earlier this year, China’s largest and heaviest aircraft carrier, Fujian, was undergoing sea trials. This conventionally powered aircraft carrier weighs more than 80,000 tons and is equipped with the most powerful aircraft launch system, EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System), making it the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, currently only operated by the United States. has been done.
Fujian is China’s third aircraft carrier
In a report on the modernization of the Chinese Navy and its impact, the U.S. Department of Defense states, “China is developing a carrier-capable version of the FC-31/J-31, a fifth-generation stealth fighter that will complement or replace the J-15. It is possible that it is being developed.” China is also reportedly developing a carrier-based early warning aircraft (NAEW) called the KJ-600, similar to the U.S. Navy’s carrier-based E-2 Hawkeye. AEW aircraft, 82 and stealth drone aircraft. ”
The J-35 is reportedly a lighter version of the J-20. However, the combat capabilities of both aircraft remain unknown.
The development of the J-35 fighter suggests that China aims to imitate the United States and fight the latter in the Indo-Pacific. Participation in the air show suggests that the J-35 is ready for deployment.
Recently, the United States deployed new long-range air-to-air missiles that could disrupt the balance of power in the region. As seen in many photos, the AIM-174B missile installed on the US Navy’s F-18 Super Hornet is known to have a range of approximately 400 km.
Other highlights of the air show
At the Zhuhai Air Show, China also unveiled the world’s first twin-seat stealth aircraft. The J-20 had been in development for several years, and the results were shown off at air shows. China claims the aircraft is a “large radar-evading fighter aircraft with long-range operations and multi-functional capabilities.”
J-20 fighter jets flew in diamond formation at the air show. Russia’s Su-57, also a fifth-generation fighter, also participated in the event.
Russian Su-57 participates in air show
Photo credit: AFP
For the first time, the air show will have a dedicated zone for drones. The Russia-Ukraine war has shown the world the growing relevance of drones on the battlefield and Kiev’s extensive use of drones to counter military power asymmetries with Russia. Ta.
China has unveiled its ship, the Killer Whale, ahead of its biggest air show. The dual diesel-electric propulsion vessel is unmanned and can carry a variety of weapons, including rockets, anti-ship missiles, and ship-to-air missiles. Helicopters can also take off and land at the helipad.
China’s Orca is not the first unmanned surface vessel developed by a country. Earlier this year, the U.S. Navy completed the first deployment of four unmanned vessels that spent more than four months in the Pacific Ocean for sea trials. The unmanned surface ships Sea Hunter, Sea Hawk, Mariner, and Ranger left Southern California in August 2023 and returned in January 2024.
India’s AMCA Program
India is developing a 5.5-generation advanced medium fighter jet with stealth capabilities, which is expected to be introduced by 2035, the head of the Defense Research and Development Organization said. The Air Force’s newest addition, the Rafale fighter jet, is a 4.5 generation multi-role aircraft and is deployed at Ambala in the northern state of Haryana and Hashimara in Assam.
Although China has deployed J-20 jets near the Line of Actual Control, experts say independent weapons systems such as surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles, and air defense systems could be deployed in the event of a conflict. I guess. The Indian Air Force will play a major role in fighting and defeating China.
Watch “India to introduce 5.5-generation stealth fighter jet AMCA by 2035: DRDO Chairman”
In August, DRDO exhibited 40 indigenously developed advanced systems and technologies at the International Defense Aviation Expo IDAX 2024 held during Exercise Taran Shakti in Surur, Tamil Nadu. On the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s first 5.5-generation stealth aircraft, Dr. Sameer V. Kamat, Chairman, Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) said that India’s first 5.5-generation stealth aircraft will be inducted by 2035. He said it would be. He further said that India is one of the few countries developing stealth aircraft.
