Chinese Airpower on Show during Aviadarts
The People’s Liberation Army Air Force dispatched J-10s, JH-7s, and H-6Ks to take part in the Russian Aviadarts exercise.
Spearheading the PLAAF participation was the Xian H-6K, a Chinese-developed version of the Tupolev Tu-16 “Badger” that is equipped for missile launch. The type was making its second appearance at Aviadarts. (Photo: Russian ministry of defense)
Spearheading the PLAAF participation was the Xian H-6K, a Chinese-developed version of the Tupolev Tu-16 “Badger” that is equipped for missile launch. The type was making its second appearance at Aviadarts. (Photo: Russian ministry of defense)

Between July 31 and August 10 the Russian aerospace force (VKS) held the final round of its annual Aviadarts series of air exercises at the Ryazan-Dyagilevo base, a training center for the strategic bomber force. The exercise not only included VKS aircraft, but also those from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and China, with a total of 43 crews taking part.

Chinese aircraft have participated in the exercise since its second event in 2014, and this year’s exercise saw a sizeable contingent, including Chengdu J-10 fighters, Xian JH-7A fighter-bombers, Xian H-6K bombers, Mi-171 helicopters, and Shaanxi Y-9 transports.

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