In a report by the Want China Times (WCT), China is developing a fourth-generation attack helicopter with stealth capabilities and the project is expected to be finished by 2020.
The development comes amid China's massive effort in modernizing its military capabilities and recent live-fire military drills in the South China Sea.
Aviation Industry Corp. (AVIC), a state-owned aircraft manufacturer and supplier of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), has been tasked with the development of the combat helicopter.
The company revealed the information through a media brochure, which was distributed to domestic journalists during the recent China Helicopter Expo on Wednesday.
"It is a trend that ground forces will become increasingly dependent on helicopters because they have better strike capability and mobility than armored vehicles, and can transport supplies to frontier troops in a timely manner," Lin Zuoming, chairman of AVIC, stated during the expo.
The new arsenal will feature improved maneuverability in complex combat environments as well as enhanced adaptability in difficult situations and joint operational abilities, according to Wu Ximing, chief helicopter designer in AVIC, who was also present during the expo.
Currently, China has the second-generation WZ-9 and third-generation WZ-10 and WZ-19 at its disposal. As operational machines under the combat helicopter fleet, their major functions are anti-tank warfare infantry, air support and air-to-air combat.
On Sept. 3, the military parade held in Beijing to commemorate China's victory in World War II against Japan and the fascist forces of the Axis powers also showcased the attack helicopters for spectators.