BEIJING — A support aircraft echelon, comprised of six types of special-purpose aircraft, flew over Tian'anmen Square on Oct 1 in a military parade marking the 70th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

It is the first time for special-purpose aircraft to join a National Day military parade, according to Chen Gang, captain of the echelon's lead airplane.

The displayed aircraft include Y-9 communication countermeasure aircraft, Y-8 long-distance support jamming aircraft, Y-8 electronic surveillance aircraft and Y-9 medical aircraft.

In recent years, China's special-purpose aircraft have completed a number of major missions, including patrols in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.