The conclusion of the Zhuhai Airshow 2024 this past Sunday allowed for the observation of the latest advancements and developments of China’s aerospace industry. One of the aspects that captured the attention of the public and specialists was the official presentation of various new aircraft models that will form the Carrier-Based Naval Aviation of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). These new combat aircraft are intended to be deployed on the current Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers, as well as the future Type 003 Fujian and its successors.
The new carrier-based Flanker: Shenyang J-15T
The adoption of a new configuration for the takeoff and landing of aircraft on China’s new aircraft carriers also imposed a necessary change in the characteristics of its Carrier Air Wing. The STOBAR configuration present on the Liaoning and Shandong, inherited from the designs of the Soviet/Russian-origin Kuznetsov-class aircraft carriers, has given way to a CATOBAR configuration on the new Type 003 Fujian.
Additionally, emulating the advances observed in the U.S. Gerald R. Ford class, the new PLAN aircraft carriers will be equipped with new EMALS-type electromagnetic catapults. Among the main advantages offered by this system are less deck space usage, lower maintenance, faster recharging, and lower energy consumption compared to steam-powered counterparts.
The new configuration that the Chinese aircraft carriers will adopt has an impact on the composition of their embarked wing. Currently, the Carrier Air Wings of the Liaoning and Shandong have the Shenyang J-15 as their main combat aircraft, adapted to operate under the STOBAR configuration.
As the construction of the Fujian advanced, the Chinese Navy ordered the aerospace industry to develop a new version of the Flanker adapted to operate from the new aircraft carriers. Originally referred to by specialists as “J-15B,” it was officially presented during the Zhuhai Airshow 2024, receiving the official designation J-15T.
However, prior to the celebration of the air show in the city of Zhuhai, and in the framework of a joint deployment of the Shandong and Liaoning, a formation of the new J-15Ts was observed operating from both carriers, indicating their entry into service within the CAWs. Although precise details are lacking, the presence of this new version suggests that, although designed to operate on the Fujian, the aircraft can also operate from the previous carriers.
Another detail to bear in mind should be mentioned: the operation with this new CATOBAR configuration will require time for carrier crews to familiarize themselves with the specifics of these new capabilities. This becomes relevant considering the future incorporation of the first fifth-generation stealth fighters into the Chinese Navy, currently under development.
The Shenyang J-35A of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force makes its debut
One of the most important points of the Zhuhai Airshow was the official presentation of the new stealth fighter of China’s People’s Liberation Army. Designated as the J-35A, it is the conventional takeoff and landing version intended to equip the PLA Air Force.
The significance of this new development lies in that, unlike the J-20, the new fighter has variants under development intended to equip the Chinese Navy as the spearhead of the combat capabilities of the new Chinese Carrier Strike Groups.
To date, regarding the carrier-based version, several photographs have been recorded showing it in the flight testing phase, while the version intended for the Chinese Air Force is more advanced in its development. With its incorporation, the Armed Forces of the Asian Giant would replicate the combination formed by the F-22 and F-35 of the United States Air Force (USAF). In addition, like the Lightning II, it is also being targeted for the export market, where Pakistan has expressed interest in a possible acquisition.
J-15D: the Growler of the Chinese Navy
Another high point in the Carrier-Based Aviation segment was the official presentation of the new J-15D, an electronic warfare variant of the carrier-based J-15 fighter. Although its development has been surrounded by great secrecy, its functions are expected to be similar to those of the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growler, seeking, through its systems, to interfere with and degrade enemy capabilities in an operational theater. It is also presumed to have air defense suppression capabilities through the use of guided weapons such as anti-radiation missiles.
Beyond its official presentation at the Zhuhai Airshow, several images have shown that the aircraft is already being incorporated into the Chinese Navy. During the aforementioned deployment where the new J-15Ts were observed, two examples of the aircraft were also seen on the flight deck of the Shandong, presumably for testing and evaluations, an indicator of the progress the development program has achieved.
KJ-600: the great absentee
Nevertheless, the airshow that concluded last Sunday also left room for absences, as neither the presence nor even a static display of a scale model of the new Xian KJ-600 airborne early warning and control aircraft was noted.
This aircraft, intended to operate from China’s new generation of aircraft carriers, is currently under development. Its design and functionality bear similarities to the U.S. Navy’s E-2D Hawkeye. To date, several test flights and evaluations have been recorded, with no confirmation of when the first units will be delivered to the Chinese Navy’s Naval Aviation.
Among its characteristics, it features a high and straight wing configuration, powered by two turboprop engines, and a tail topped by four vertical stabilizers. Additionally, the characteristic radome is observed, presumably equipped with an AESA radar.
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