China has been making great strides in developing its early warning planes, despite getting off to a late start. The aircraft are for adapting to the changing national security strategy.

New early warning planes to be shown in parade

According to a government release, several of the latest models will make an appearance at a military parade in Beijing on September 3rd.

China's early warning aircraft, no longer a secret to the outside world. It's like setting up radar in the sky.

The planes can extend the PLA network of air defense, putting command and control, surveillance and reconnaissance into one key airborne area. Better information and response mean better chances for winning.

"The early warning aircraft is regarded as the core commanding post of future warfare. It's crucially important to fulfill the strategy of integration of sky and space, and combination of defensive and offensive capabilities," said Wang Hongchun, deputy head, maintenance, PLA Air Force Regiment.

"They are the killer weapon, as they can detect signals ground radar systems cannot. That's why it's the symbol of enhancement of overall combat capabilities.

Wang Hongchun has witnessed the emergence of China's early warning planes. He's now working with the KJ-2000, which began active service in 2007.

"The KJ-2000 is one of the latest all-weather early warning aircraft, modified from the former Il-76. It uses domestically designed electronics and radar. It has the functions of target detection, airborne communications relay, and emergency command," he said.

The KJ-2000 IS regarded as China's eyes in the sky. It's one of the latest Chinese early warning aircraft in the PLA Air Force. Many say it marks an important milestone in the transformation to a high-tech Air Force, to get an advantage in information warfare.

The development of China-created early warning planes has been a painstaking process. Throughout the decade, the country has built and tested several prototypes.

The second generation is expected to make its public debut during the upcoming parade. The new KJ-500 is smaller than the KJ-2000. Its advantage is the improved radar and electronic systems.

"Early warning aircraft will be the developing trend of new armaments. They can be used in various missions and joint operational forces after the PLA's transformation. Without such an aircraft, the fighter jets' combat radius will be restricted," Wang said.

It's clear the country is more confident about the technology. The true value of early warning planes for China's air control capabilities is just beginning to take off.