Xian continues to develop and build aircraft in China
A computer-generated image of the KJ-600 AEW platform, which continues in development. (Chinese Internet)
Xian is again flight testing an AEW aircraft for Chinese carrier operations, while production of Y-20 transport and tanker aircraft continues apace.
Hot on the heels of the appearance of a twin-seat J-20 fighter in Chengdu, and the maiden flight of a fifth-generation carrier-borne fighter for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in Shenyang, the Xian Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC) has been busy as well. XAC continues development of the KJ-600 AEW platform and is busy producing Y-20 airlifters.
Pictures of the KJ-600 AEW prototype captured in flight began circulating on 29 October. This grey-coloured KJ-600 was flying from Xian-Yanliang Air Base, and was one of two prototypes known to currently exist.
A mock-up of the KJ-600, a Chinese facsimile of Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Hawkeye, was first
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)]()
DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
-
![Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service]()
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
-
![DSEI 2025: Helsing and Systematic join forces to revolutionise drone recce-strike missions]()
DSEI 2025: Helsing and Systematic join forces to revolutionise drone recce-strike missions
The partnership will integrate Helsing’s AI-powered systems with the Systematic SitaWare suite of C4ISR currently used by more than 50 nations, enabling faster data exchange between ISR UAVs and Helsing’s HX-2 loitering munitions.
-
![Finland secures possible $1.07 billion AMRAAM deal with US State Department]()
Finland secures possible $1.07 billion AMRAAM deal with US State Department
The Nordic country is set to bolster its defence capabilities after its foreign military sales request for AIM-120D-3 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs) was approved.
-
![DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine]()
DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine
The programme will work to build and deploy the drones to Ukraine to support its fight against Russia, coming a day after Poland shot down 19 Russian drones in its airspace.
