The moment PLA watchers have been waiting for: J35 launched and recovered via electromagnetic catapult and arresting systems from FUJIAN

 

Saturday, September 13, 2025

"Unicorns and rainbows"? No, it is CV18 Fujian arriving at Hainan, Sept 13th

 Credit of the video goes to Captain小潇的微博视频 (link)

Movement of the Fujian being tracked by Japan 

 

Infrantry equipment of the PLAAF 15th Airborne Corps on display at the Changchun Airshow

 For the airborne, light weight and portability are the names of the game.  With that in mind, they are equipped with single short rockets,  anti materiel rifles and of course, the AFT-12/Red Arrow 12 Sino-Javelin Top Attack ATGM

PBP201-60mm mortar system deploys with PLA UN Peacekeepers

 PBP201-60mm mortar with a new digital fire control sight and light weight aerospace-grade titanium alloy construction is quickly becoming the standard close fire support solution for the PLA infantry.  It is now ready to service oversea missions as part of the UN peacekeeping force.

Monday, April 28, 2025

PLA Infantry TOE Of The Day: Mortar section of a Weapon Platoon

A good picture of a PLA Mortar Section of a Weapon Platoon of a Light Infantry Company here:

Inside there are two PBP201 60mm Lightweight Crew Served Mortar (LWCMS) for indirect fire support. Each of the two squads are staffed by one squad leader, a gunner and two assistant gunners / ammo carriers and a selection leader to a total of 9 crew. 

The PLA continues to emphasize the tactical importance of mortars, particularly light mortars, which they regard as fast, formidable, and highly accurate. These weapons can deliver a high volume of fire in a short period while maintaining the advantages of mobility and agility. In wartime, they are typically under the direct command of the infantry company commander

 

KJ500A AWAC on display

 At the current Changchun Airshow

Forever Shenyang J-6 Jet fighter, err I mean, J-6 remote control drone

According to the display information for J-6 “70051,” the aircraft was converted into an aerial target drone by removing its armament, pilot’s seat, and fuel tank.  However,  additional hardpoints, an autopilot system, and a terrain-following navigation radar were installed.    It is on display at the current Changchun airshow (link)

The drone’s maiden flight take place in 2005. While primarily a target drone, it can perform secondary remotely controlled ground-attack missions when required.

 

Sunday, September 14, 2025

Forever Type59-1 130mm field gun

While the Chinese variant of the Soviet M46 has been retired from frontline maneuver units since the 1990s, it continues to serve in static roles within some coastal defense regiments. One of the key takeaways from the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine is that in a war of attrition, any artillery - regardless of age - is better than none at all.

At some point, the PLA may choose to place all Type 59-1 130mm field guns into storage. However, I suspect they’ll maintain these systems in good working order for the foreseeable future.

 

 

Monday, December 30, 2024

Forever CJ-6

CCTV captured footage of a newly minted Nanchang CJ-6 taking off.  Some in China requested that the PLAN be photographed a CJ-6 taking off from one of her new flattops, as a reenactment to a WWII Pacific Theater scene.    Personally, I believe that's a terrific concept; let's do it.

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Yup, CJ-6 trainer still in production

This tiny trustworthy basic training is still in production after 60 odd years, according to this AVIC PR photo.   It now has a civilian variant to offer as well.