Chinese Air Force shows off J10 indigenous fighter jet

Yangcun Air Base (China), Apr.14 (ANI): The 24th Fighter Division of the Chinese Air Force yesterday showed off a formation of its J10 - or Annihilator 10 - to a select group of international military attachés for the first time.

Senior Colonel Yan Feng, commander of the division, gave the 51 attachés their first glimpse of the cockpits and the homemade jet turbines of China's only indigenous fighters.It was the second time that China has allowed foreign media onto the base - and the first such trip in eight years.

According to the China Daily, Colonel Yan promised to host more tours as part of a campaign by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to cast off its reputation for secrecy and nurture a more transparent image.

China could take a major leap forward when it finally unveils its fourth-generation J11, which Chinese generals have hinted could be shown off in public as early as 2017, well ahead of US forecasts.

Colonel Yan was coy when asked about the J11, but said that he hoped to demonstrate the J10 at international air shows as early as next year. "I want to fly with the Thunderbirds," he joked. (ANI)