中 "This Year’s Fighter Jet Production Hits Record High"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] China has set a record high for military aircraft production this year amid conflicts with the United States over Taiwan and the South China Sea issues.

According to the Chinese state media Global Times on the 27th, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), one of China's major fighter jet manufacturers, announced through its social media account on the 24th that the number of aircraft produced and delivered this year has reached an all-time high.

Based in Shenyang, China, this company produces the J-15 carrier-based fighter jet for the People's Liberation Army Navy Air Force, the J-16 main ground attack fighter, and the second-generation stealth fighter FC-31.

The company recently unveiled an upgraded version of the J-15, and at last month's Zhuhai Airshow, it also revealed the latest J-16D fighter jet equipped with electronic warfare capabilities that can disrupt enemy communications and radar.

It added that production and delivery of the Z-10 attack helicopter and the Z-8 transport helicopter have also been completed. Changhe Aircraft, which produces the Z-10 and Z-8, also released footage of the test flight of the Z-8C deployed on the Type 075 amphibious assault ship, known as the "helicopter carrier."

(Photo by Global Times)

The large transport aircraft manufacturer Xi'an Aircraft Corporation recently completed its final test flight of the year. The Y-20 aerial refueling tanker produced by Xi'an Aircraft was deployed last month during the Chinese military's show of force within Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The Y-20, capable of carrying 60 tons of fuel, is understood to significantly extend the flight time and range of fighter jets.

Chengdu Aircraft, the manufacturer of the latest stealth fighter J-20, announced through a social media post on the 10th that aircraft delivery volumes have set a new record this year due to high demand.

Chengdu Aircraft stated, "Since the fourth quarter, many users have been waiting to receive aircraft, facing tasks in research and development, production, and delivery," adding, "We have completed multiple test flights, resulting in record-breaking aircraft delivery figures."

A military expert who requested anonymity told Global Times, "The People's Liberation Army Ground Force is building a powerful air assault unit with advanced helicopters, the Navy is preparing aircraft for aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, and the Air Force is crossing the threshold of becoming a strategic air force," adding, "China's aviation industry is playing a crucial role in meeting these demands."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.