SDF - A Year In Review: The Biggest Reveals Of 2024

(Mods, feel free to move this to another subforum or thread.)

It is without a doubt that 2024 has been one of the most prolific years in defense watching and one of the most eventful times in military history. Being the year of the Dragon, defense contractors may find it auspicious to meet milestones and deadlines with this superstitious backdrop. Recall that the previous year of the Dragon - 2012 - also brought about numerous "big ticket items" including the FC-31, Y-20, and Type 052D.

So, the following is what I consider the most significant and noteworthy PLA-related reveals/debuts of 2024.

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10. J-15T & J-15D Entering Service (PLAN)
While the J-15T and J-15D have been seen in testing for years, 2024 is the year that they have been confirmed to be in service.



9. GJ-11J Test Flight (PLAN)
The GJ-11J (carrier-based) prototype was first spotted in 2023, but it seems to have taken flight in 2024.


8. Z-21 Attack Helicopter (PLAGF)


7. HQ-19 Official Reveal (PLAAF)
The HQ-19 has been tested since the late 1990s, but this is the first-ever public reaveal.


6. Type 041(?) SSKN (PLAN)
I won't comment on the veracity (or lack thereof) of the alleged sinking, but the mere appearance of this new type of submarine is noteworthy. The SSKN portion is still speculated, though.


...(to be continued)

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5. KJ-3000 AEW&C (PLAAF)


4. Type 09IIIB SSN Photo Reveal (PLAN)
These boats have been launched since 2022 but this was the first time that a photo of a decent resolution was captured. The latest CMPR also confirms its LACM capabilities and role as an SSGN.


3. Type 076 Launched (PLAN)


2. J-35A Official Reveal (PLAAF)
The land-based J-35 variant was first spotted in September 2023 but nobody could have foreseen such a public reveal. Entry-into-service expected in 2025?


1. Chengdu J-36(?) & Shenyang J-50(?) - Tied (PLAAF & PLAN?)
Explanation not needed.



Other noteworthy mentions include:

• SS-UAV Jetank
• High-powered microwave weapons (3 were seen at Zhuhai 2024)
• CH-7 UAV
• CH-9 UCAV
• New light tank / IFV

Obviously, not everything that were first seen in 2024 could make it onto this list.

KJ-700 deserves a mention too. EO on an AEW&C!

Someone make a count down video in the style of Top Ten Anime Betrayals.