China's fighter jets perform 'perfect combination' training

China's three most advanced missile-carrying fighter jets have conducted combined combat training that a Chinese expert on Sunday called "perfect combinations."

Taking part in air defense penetration drills were China's most advanced J-20 stealth fighter jet, the J-16 multi-role strike fighter and the J-10C multi-role fighter jet, China Central Television (CCTV) reported.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force fighter jets used domestically developed mid-range PL-15 air-to-air missiles and short-range PL-10 air-to-air missiles for training, Sina reported on Saturday.

"The three fighter jets… and the two missiles are perfect combinations," Song Zhongping, a military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Sunday.

First, the J-20 is capable of destroying a hostile air defense system, Song said, then the J-10C can take over air supremacy while the J-16 can strike enemy ground forces.

The PL-15 missile is capable of intercepting targets beyond visual range and the PL-10 is capable in a close-quarter dogfight, Song noted. 

Multiple fighters using the same missiles showcased equipment standardization across the PLA, Song said. The missiles can be mass-produced, with more efficient logistics and supply.

The joint combat training followed maritime combat training for the J-20. 

The drills reflected the true combat potential of the PLA Air Force, Song noted, showing its capability in all kinds of weathers, terrains and environments.

Yang Wei, a National People's Congress deputy and chief designer of the J-20, told CCTV, "To achieve true peace, only staying at home and defending is not enough. We need to have the ability to both defend and attack. And the J-20 is an aggressive weapon that can protect our country by attacking and gaining an advantage on the whole battlefield."