China tests fifth-generation stealth fighters

December 26, 2016, 8:51 pm

China on Monday tested the latest version of its FC-31 Gyrfalcon stealth fighter jet, state media reported citing aviation sources.

The prototype is the newest version of the J-31, first unveiled four years ago, which reportedly took to the skies for the first time on Friday in Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning province.

The aircraft, a twin-engine, fifth-generation fighter jet is reportedly China’s answer to the US F-35, which the United States sells exclusively. It is an upgraded version of the fighter jet which debuted four years ago because it has improved electronics and can carry more munitions, among other enhancements.

Fifth-generation technologies include stealth, advanced avionics and radar systems, and superior computing.

This comes as the Chinese navy announced on Sunday that the country’s first navy carrier, the Liaoning, would be carrying out new drills in the Western Pacific.

The Taiwanese Defense Ministry said in a statement on Sunday that it had been closely monitoring the drills as the carrier passed through the disputed Miyako Strait.

In November, China showcased its Chengdu J-20, a fifth-generation fighter jet at the 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition at the Zhuhai Airshow Center in Guangdong province.

While the US is the only country with fifth-generation fighter craft in use – the F-22 Raptor, China, India, Japan, Russia and Turkey are producing their own.

The BRICS Post with inputs from Agencies