The aircraft flown by Du's regiment－the J-16 multirole strike fighter－is one of the best hardware items deployed by the PLA Air Force. Developed by Aviation Industry Corp of China, the jet is equipped with advanced radar, electronic and weapon systems.

The tandem-seat plane is reported to have made its maiden flight in 2011 and is believed to have entered service in 2015. Its public debut was in July 2017 when the aircraft took part in a massive parade to mark the 90th anniversary of the PLA's founding.

Zhao Lei contributed to this story.