A J-35A, China's latest stealth fighter jet, makes its debut at the 15th Airshow China in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province, on November 12, 2024. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

The PLA Air Force, Navy, and Army, along with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, held a joint press conference in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province, on Wednesday during Airshow China, marking the first joint press conference by the three PLA forces at the event. 

During the press conference, the PLA Air Force, Navy, and Army introduced their respective highlights at Airshow China which kicked off on Tuesday featuring a new dynamic demonstration format integrating air, sea, and ground operations. And the takeoff of aircraft from the three PLA forces in Zhuhai has become one of the biggest highlights of this airshow.

Notably, China's J-35A made its debut at Airshow China, joining the PLA Air Force's lineup of main combat fighters, according to Air Force spokesperson Xie Peng on Wednesday. According to media reports, this lineup consists of the J-10C, J-16, and J-20. 

During the spectacular opening ceremony of Airshow China on Tuesday, the show featured flight performances by three types of stealth fighter jets including the debut of China's J-35A, a formation of J-20s, and Russia's Su-57 in its first appearance in China. Other featured aircraft included the J-20 and Y-20.

Lieutenant Colonel Li Lanxing from an air force training base said during the press conference that test pilots have found the J-35A to be highly agile, stable, and operationally efficient. 

The aircraft combines flexibility, maneuverability, and a high level of comfort. Pilots said that upon entering the cockpit, they feel confident in its user-friendly design, which facilitates seamless integration between pilot and aircraft, enhancing combat effectiveness.

The PLA Navy displayed equipment in the static area, including the Y-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft and the Z-9F shipborne anti-submarine helicopter. Aerobatic displays featured the J-15D and J-15T during the event.

The Navy Marine Corps made appearance at the airshow, featuring demonstrations of air assault operations using the Z-20J carrier-based helicopter and Z-8C transport helicopter, according to Xinhua News Agency. The corps is responsible for amphibious assault operations in the Navy.

Colonel Cai Yongtao from the PLA Navy equipment department stated that the J-15T and J-15D feature extensive upgrades in their traditional avionics and weapon systems but also in their mission payloads. 

Cai said in recent years, the focus has primarily been on upgrading the technological development surrounding the Navy's aircraft carrier platforms. To adapt to the aircraft carriers, significant upgrades have been made to the takeoff and landing capabilities of the J-15 series aircraft, as well as to their engines.

On November 23, 2012, the J-15 aircraft successfully landed on the deck of the Liaoning aircraft carrier for the first time, marking a new chapter in the development of naval carrier-based fighter jets. Since then, the navy has continuously focused on the series development of the J-15. At the airshow in Zhuhai two models, the J-15T and the J-15D, are on display, according to Cai.

Military expert Zhang Junshe told the Global Times that this year, the PLA Navy participated in the Airshow China in Zhuhai for the first time, reflecting the PLA Navy's commitment to openness and transparency. 

Zhang believed that in the future, as China's technological standing and comprehensive strength improve, there will be greater advancements in the development of naval weapons and equipment, and the PLA Navy will send more modern equipment to participate in Airshow China. 

The PLA Army showcased equipment at Airshow China including the Z-10 attack helicopter, Z-20 tactical utility helicopter, Z-8 wide-body transport helicopter, and Z-8 high-altitude transport helicopter. The Z-10 attack helicopter, Z-20 tactical utility helicopter, and Z-8 high-altitude transport helicopter were featured in aerobatic displays.