State-Run Media Reports 11 Minute Test Flight Wednesday

China's new J-31 stealth fighter reportedly flew for 11 minutes on Wednesday, according to reports from that country's state-run media. Deployment of the airplane is likely still years away.

The French news service AFP reports that, according to the Kanwa Information Center which tracks Chinese military developments, the J-31 is similar to the U.S.-Developed F-35, but is "inferior" in design. Andrei Chang, the center's director and one of its military experts, told AFP that the new airplane seems to be more agile than the previously-tested J-20, and its landing gear configuration appears to be designed for aircraft carrier operations.

Chang said that the airplane would not be commercially viable for at least seven to eight years. The test flights appear to be timed to coincide with China's once-a-decade leadership transition. He added that the demonstration may have also been for the benefit of China's allies, such as Pakistan, which could be an export market for the fighter.

China has continued to increase defense spending, saying military outlays will top $100 billion in 2012.

(Pictured: Chinese J-31 captured in YouTube video)

FMI: www.kanwa.com