China inducts its largest military transport plane Wednesday July 06,2016

China on Wednesday July 06,2016 inducted its largest indigenously-built transport aircraft Y-20, a breakthrough in military aviation technology for the PLA that allows the world’s largest force to transport cargo and troops over long distances in diverse weather conditions.

“The Y-20 entering into service marks a crucial step for the Air Force improving its strategic power projection capability,” Air Force spokesperson Shen Jinke said.

With a maximum take off weight of 200 tonnes, the Y-20, which officially joined the PLA Air Force in Chengdu, is ideal for transporting cargo and personnel over long distances in diverse weather conditions

The plane is comparable to the Russian-made IL-76 and the US C-17. PLA officials had earlier said Y-20 is more advanced than the IL-476.

The plane, which made its maiden flight in January 2013 and underwent trials runs, including in the rugged Tibetan terrain, will make troop deployment easier, enabling the military to act more promptly and respond to emergencies in a better manne