China's 2nd stealth fighter makes test flight

Sydney, Nov. 1 (ANI): China's second stealth fighter has reportedly made its first test flight, according to a report.

The J-31, the second stealth plane to be unveiled by China in less than two years, flew for 11 minutes, the state-run Global Times cited an eyewitness as saying.

"The J-31 is almost certainly designed with the intention of operating on aircraft carriers," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted a Chinese military expert, as saying.

According to the paper, photos posted on online by Chinese military enthusiasts appeared to show the black-painted combat plane in mid-flight. The first photos of the aircraft were leaked online last month.

China unveiled its first stealth-fighter, the J-20, in early 2011. Its first aircraft carrier entered service in October and others capable of carrying aircraft like the J-31 are expected to follow, the paper said.

The country also said its defence spending will top 100 billion dollars in 2012, the latest in a series of budget increases to the country's 2.3 million strong military, it added. (ANI)