China’s newest KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft with Chengdu J-10 multi-role fighters taking part in military exercises in Tibet.

The KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft with J-10 fighters was spotted on the runway at Lhasa Gonggar  Airport  in Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Lhasa Gonggar Airport is one of the world’s highest dual-use airports. It provides important support for Tibet’s economic development and national security in China’s Southwestern region.

The AEW&C aircraft is equipped with the entire long-range surveillance radar system to search and monitor targets in air or sea, and it can command and guide its allied aircraft to perform combat missions.

With four turboprop engines, the KJ-500’s maximum takeoff weight is 77 tons. Its cruising speed is 550 km per hour, with a range of about 5,700 km.

According to reports, the KJ-500 joined the Chinese PLA Air Force in early 2015 and demonstrated excellent combat performance.