China may be developing new long-range air-to-air missile

China's state-run newspaper has revealed that the country is in the process of testing a new, long-range air-to-air missile that could take out early warning aircraft and aerial refuelling aircraft.

The official China Daily said that the People's Liberation Army (PLAs) had recently posted pictures online of a J-11B fighter carrying a large, unidentified missile during drills last year.

According to the daily, President Xi Jinping is overseeing an ambitious military modernisation program that includes stealth jets and aircraft carriers. The country has also tested anti-satellite missiles.

That represents an improved capability over existing Chinese missiles, which have ranges of less than 100 km (62 miles).

The missile is expected to have an actual range of 400 kilometers, exceeding those used by Western air forces, and dive down on targets from the stratosphere, he added.

The Chinese air force has yet to formally comment on the new missile.