China says it has successfully landed a fighter jet on its first aircraft carrier.
The Defense Ministry said the Chinese-made J-15 jet, modeled on Russia’s Sukhoi Su-33, landed on the “Liaoning” carrier during recent exercises.
China bought the unfinished former Soviet carrier from Ukraine in 1998 and has spent years refurbishing and preparing it for use.
It officially entered service in September.
Being able to land fighter jets on a sea-borne carrier extends China’s ability to project military power.
China’s demonstration of its military might comes as Beijing is involved in territorial disputes with countries including Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
The Defense Ministry said the Chinese-made J-15 jet, modeled on Russia’s Sukhoi Su-33, landed on the “Liaoning” carrier during recent exercises.
China bought the unfinished former Soviet carrier from Ukraine in 1998 and has spent years refurbishing and preparing it for use.
It officially entered service in September.
Being able to land fighter jets on a sea-borne carrier extends China’s ability to project military power.
China’s demonstration of its military might comes as Beijing is involved in territorial disputes with countries including Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
