The first homebred large military transport aircraft China was put into operation, reported the Ministry of defense of the country calling it "an important step" for the country.

The aircraft Y-20, with a maximum takeoff weight of 200 tons, officially entered the people's liberation army (PLA) at a ceremony on Wednesday in the southwestern city of Chengdu. The aircraft is designed for transportation of goods and people over long distances in difficult weather conditions. Y-20 is powered by four turbofan engines - reportedly able to fly 4,500 kilometers with a full load. Its range will extend to almost 8 thousand kilometers in the carriage of 40 tons of cargo.

The plane is part of a massive modernization program of the armed forces of China, which includes the development of aircraft carriers, anti-satellite missiles and stealth fighters.

China's neighbors, including Washington, looking wary that Beijing is becoming more assertive in its stance towards the South China sea and other territorial disputes.

China is in the midst of an ambitious program of modernization of their military equipment believes that Y-20 is a breakthrough in the development of military aviation.

Some analysts believe that China skillfully picked the time for the introduction of the Y-20 into operation. To put the plane this year at the Farnborough International Airshow, to be held in England next week and find potential foreign buyers.
sections: Politics, World News