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Air show marks PLA Air Force's 60th Anniversary
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China's People's Liberation Army's Air Force has staged an air show in Beijing. The Air Force's aerobatic team and paratroopers put on a dazzling aerial display amid clear skies. CCTV reporter takes a look at the much-anticipated event marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the PLA Air Force.
The PLA Air Force displayed an array of spectacular maneuvers in a showcase of China's defensive might.
Sunday's air show was conducted by two types of fighter jets - the J-7 and J-10.
The air show was also a farewell for six J-7GB fighter jets, which are due to be retired.
J-7 fighter jets have been a part of the PLA air force's arsenal for 15 years. Third generation J-7's will replace the retiring fleet.
Most of the pilots performing on Sunday participated in the fly-over during the National Day parade on October the 1st.
The pilots have all been undergoing rigorous training over the past three months, especially for those flying the newly-equipped J-10s.
Four J-10s made their aerobatic debut at the air show.
The domestically-produced jets are products of China's drive towards innovation.
The J-10 is one of the PLA's most versatile combat jets and is capable of operating in all-weather conditions.
Army officials say the jet is comparable to the latest fighter planes in developed countries.
Sunday's air show culminated with more than 20 paratroopers jumping from helicopters at an altitude of 15-hundred meters.
The elite unit includes seven females and is from the Parachuting Sports Group of the PLA Air Force. The team has successfully performed more than 150 events including celebrations for the return of Hong Kong and Macao to China.
Sunday's air show was the second major public performance of the PLA Air force this year, after the National Day celebrations on October the 1st.
It's also an opportunity for the Air Force to showcase its latest achievements. PLA Air Force says the future direction is to build a fighting force able to prevail in information-based warfare.
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