Reports Say China Has a New Jet Fighter in the Works. Here's What We Know.
While technically "new," the jet is likely something we’ve seen before.
By Kyle Mizokami JUN 30, 2020
china economy aviation
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Numerous indicators suggest a new Chinese fighter jet will fly for the first time in 2021.
The jet could well be a production version of the J-31 technology demonstrator.
The jet will likely operate from land and China’s new fleet of aircraft carriers.
Reports indicate China is set to show off a new fighter jet next year, though it will likely be a familiar sight to Chinese military watchers. Growing indicators point to a fighter jet, likely a revamped, combat-ready version of the FC-31 fighter plane, making an appearance in 2021.
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One such indicator was brought to light by the aviation blog Alert 5, which highlighted a post by the Chinese Aeronautical Establishment on social media. The blog states:
The article said its personnel was (sic) sent to Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute or 601 Institute and the 29th Research Institute of the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) during COVID-19 to support the aircraft’s development work
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