China has successfully landed two jet fighters (552 and 553) on its new aircraft carrier for the first time, officials say. This is expected after earlier information, but now formally confirmed.
Since the Liaoning entered service in September 2012, its crew has completed more than 100 training and testing programs.
The vessel is designed to carry 26 aircraft and 24 helicopters.
The source also mention that the Russian-Chinese military relations are at a low point.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev recent visit to China has encouraged economic, cultural and and other ties.
Although military experts say that Russian companies are not working on a single major contract for China, supplying only spare parts and components, including the assembly of Mi-8 and Mit Hip H transport helicopters,
The Chinese Air Force currently has over 280 Russian Su-27 and Su-30 Flanker fighters (Russian sources).
Several years ago, Beijing beought a license to assemble 200 Su-27SK fighters at the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. But China suspended the contract after producing just 106 aircraft. Analysts say the Chinese have learned to build the planes without Russian assistance.
China also bought a large batch of Mi-8, Mi-17 and Mi-171 helicopters and engines for them. Russia also built four Sovremenny class destroyers for the Chinses Navy and armed them with supersonic Moskit (SS-N-22 Sunburn).
China ordered the construction of twelve submarines (two Project 877EKM and 10 Projekt 636 and Projekt 636M Amur), armed with Club-S anti-ship cruise missiles.
Beijiing also bought as many as 60 air defence systems (28 S-300PMU-1 and S-300PMU-2 systems and 30 Tor M1 air defence systems.
J-15 554 seems to have been re-engined with the AL-31F when it took part in the latest round of flight operations on the Liaoning in June. Video in this link.
