China Begins Replacing J-7 Jets with Advanced Models
Our Bureau
2086
J-7 fighter jets
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force has begun replacing J-7 fighter jets with advanced next-generation ones.
J-7 fighter jets attached to an aviation brigade affiliated with the PLA Western Theater Command Air Force recently conducted a series of combat-oriented exercises, and these exercises were the curtain call performance of the J-7s in this particular brigade, as the unit will receive new aircraft to replace them soon, China Central Television (CCTV) reported last week.
The PLA Air Force is now commissioning third-generation fighter jets in large numbers, including the J-10, J-11 and J-16, with fourth-generation fighter jet the J-20 also entering service, and it was only a matter of time before the outdated second-generation J-7 retires, Global Times reported.