PLA marches towards modernization

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Dozens of models of the PLA's new defense systems were showcased during the National Day parade, now a brief recap of some of the highlights in the displayed equipments.

Marching towards modernization.

Over the decades, the PLA has moved from copying Russian-made weapons in the 1950s and 60s, to a system of self-reliance on designing and manufacturing.

The military parade on October the first were the highlight of the PLA's achievements in developing home grown high-tech weaponry.

For the first time, China unveiled the PLA's early warning and control aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and other military hardware that has seen service.

The latest early warning aircraft in China is the KJ-2000.

Sources say it is comprised of domestically-designed electronics and radar installations.

The plane is able to carry out patrol missions at an altitude of up to 10-thousand meters.

Fighter jet "Jian Shi" or the J-10, is another highlight. The domestically-produced aircraft is a product of the country's drive towards innovation.

Known in the West as the "Vigorous Dragon", the J-10 is a multi-role combat aircraft, capable of operating in all-weather conditions.

The aircraft is also capable of launching precision attacks on long-distance missions, at an altitude above 10-thousand meters.

The fighter aircraft entered service in 2004, after 18 years of development.

Army officials say the jet is comparable to the latest fighter planes in developed countries.

They believe the J-10 will help the Chinese Air Force, improve its defense capabilities and accelerate its weapon modernization.