China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft gets type certificate

An AG600 large amphibious aircraft, code-named Kunlong, on Sunday obtained its type certificate from China's aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), paving its way into the market entry.

Type certificate represents the approval of the design of the aircraft and all component parts. This signifies the successful completion of the world's largest newly-developed amphibious aircraft.

As a vital advanced aeronautical equipment to strengthen the country's emergency rescue and natural disaster prevention capabilities, the aircraft is designed to carry out rescue missions such as firefighting and maritime search and rescue in all types of terrain across the country.

With a maximum takeoff weight of 60 tons, it can carry up to 12 tons of water, cruise at a minimum speed of 220 kilometers per hour, and has a maximum range of 4,500 kilometers.

Capable of operating from land and water, the AG600 boasts a unique design.

"The AG600 has a fuselage with a structure similar to boat hull, and a pair of floats under its wings to provide lateral stability during water operations. Meanwhile, it has a stepped hull bottom and anti-wave grooves at the front of the fuselage. It also has a high-strut landing gear on both sides of the fuselage. Thanks to these unique designs, it can take off from both land and water," said Cheng Zhihang, director of general design department of South China Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd under China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (CAIGA).

For an aircraft to operate from both land and water poses significant challenges, due to the density difference in air and water, varying by nearly 800 times. The AG600 team overcame the challenges through rigorous research and testing.

"Throughout the design process, we conducted thousands of tests in water dynamics and wind tunnels to ensure the aircraft's shape meets functional needs. We also overcame tremendous technical difficulties in the manufacturing process," said Cheng.

China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft gets type certificate

The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) is ready to completely withdraw from the governmental scene in the Gaza Strip and engage in a positive and constructive manner with the second phase of the plan to end the war in the enclave, said Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim on Friday. In a statement, Naim said that the ceasefire deal became an international plan after being adopted by the United Nations Security Council. However, it is now facing obstacles.

He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of reneging on his commitments and escalating the situation, in an attempt to return to war and save his political career. Pointing out that Israeli strikes have caused hundreds of casualties since the announcement of the ceasefire, the Hamas official said the escalation cannot occur without cover or green light from the United States. He said Hamas has committed to all its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, as attested by the mediators and the U.S., adding that it is ready for the second phase of the agreement.

He emphasized the Movement's commitment to the establishment of a fully empowered Palestinian body to administer Gaza, and its complete withdrawal from the governmental scene.

Naim warned that the situation will not be sustainable if the continued escalation of Israeli military operations and the persistence of the catastrophic humanitarian situation remain unaddressed, adding that the circle of fire may expand, which is what Netanyahu aspires to.

Since a ceasefire took effect on Oct 10, 2025, Gaza's death toll has risen to 439 with 1,223 injuries, according to local health authorities on Friday. Rescue teams have recovered 688 bodies during that period. In the broader conflict, at least 71,409 Palestinians have been killed and 171,304 wounded since Israel's military campaign in Gaza began in October 2023.

Hamas ready for complete withdrawal from Gaza governmental scene: official