New J-15 fighter jet models perform aerobatic display in debut at Zhuhai airshow

A formation of three carrier-based J-15 fighter jets of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) delivered a debut performance as the latest models of the jet series made their inaugural appearance at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in south China on Tuesday.

Also known as Airshow China, the country's premier aviation event is running from Tuesday to Sunday in Zhuhai, a coastal city in Guangdong Province, with this also marking the first time the PLA Navy's has appeared at the airshow with its naval-based aircraft.

The formation, consisting of one J-15D and two J-15T fighter jets, flew over the Zhuhai Jinwan Airport, displaying the advanced capabilities of the aircraft with a refueling and landing demonstration.

Though similar in appearance, the three J-15 aircraft serve different functions, and all are fully domestically developed.

The navy also arranged displays of air assault operations by the Z-20J shipborne helicopter and the Z-8C transport helicopter, carrying naval marine units and related equipment.

Additionally, the navy also exhibited the Z-9F shipborne anti-submarine helicopter and Y-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft, as well as several shipborne weapons systems and maritime rescue and survival equipment, most of which are being publicly unveiled for the first time.

The J-15, also known as "Flying Shark," is an updated version of the fourth-generation carrier-based fighter jet independently developed by China for its navy, which completed its maiden flight back from the Liaoning aircraft carrier back in 2012.

New J-15 fighter jet models perform aerobatic display in debut at Zhuhai airshow

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said Wednesday that Israel had canceled arrangements for a third group of wounded Palestinians from Gaza to be evacuated to Egypt via the Rafah border crossing.

Israel denied the claim, insisting the crossing was operating as usual.

In a statement, the office of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), a body under Israel's Defense Ministry, said on social media on Wednesday that "contrary to reports in the Gazan media, the Rafah Crossing has opened this morning as usual, in accordance with the agreement and Israel's commitment."

It added that the World Health Organization, which coordinates the arrival of Gaza residents at the crossing, had "not yet submitted the necessary coordination details for procedural reasons." Once the required information is received, Israel said, patients and their escorts would be permitted to cross into Egypt immediately.

The World Health Organization has not yet responded to Israel's statement.

Located at Gaza's southern border with Egypt, the Rafah crossing had been largely closed since May 2024, when Israeli forces seized control of the Palestinian side. Before its closure, Rafah was Gaza's main gateway to the outside world and a vital entry point for humanitarian aid.

After a trial run on Sunday, the crossing officially reopened Monday, permitting restricted two-way passage under tight conditions, a limited but symbolic step toward restoring movement in and out of Gaza.

Palestinian Red Crescent reports Rafah evacuation halt as Israel denies disruption