December 26 was not just another date for the aerospace industry of the People’s Republic of China. Taking advantage of the commemorations and celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Mao Zedong, the Chinese conglomerate of companies offered a glimpse into what could be the near future of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) combat aviation. This was evidenced by test flights of new stealth aircraft, presumed to be sixth-generation, as well as new versions of fifth-generation aircraft, such as the two-seater J-20S. Additionally, what appears to be the first recorded flight of the new KJ-3000 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, developed by Xi’an Aircraft Corporation, was also observed. This is the same company responsible for the development of the KJ-600, designed to equip China’s Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier.
While its existence had been rumored since at least 2022, the viral spread of various photographs starting on December 26 highlights the advanced development stage of the new KJ-3000 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. This aircraft is based on the most modern version of the Y-20 strategic transport aircraft, designated the Y-20B.
Regarding the Y-20B, various sources have mentioned that this version incorporates several upgrades compared to the Y-20A, most notably the inclusion of new domestically produced Shenyang WS-20 engines, replacing the Russian-made D-30KP-2 engines. It has also been suggested that the Y-20B could perform aerial refueling missions, offering capabilities and a configuration similar to that of the Airbus A330 MRTT, which is in service with major European air forces.
Additionally, one of the latest reports, based on satellite imagery, indicates that the Y-20B has already been adopted by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), which has incorporated at least five aircraft operating from Kaifeng Air Base.
Returning to the viralized images, it has been mentioned that the first test flight of the KJ-3000 likely took place at the end of November. However, the choice to release these images during such significant dates for the Asian Giant suggests a deliberate strategy for dissemination through various channels. Considering China’s capability to control public opinion via state and para-state organizations, this presumption seems plausible.
As for the images, despite their low resolution, several details of the KJ-3000 can be discerned. The most notable, given its AEW&C function, is the circular radome mounted on top of the fuselage, similar to other aircraft in service with the Chinese Air Force, such as the KJ-2000, the future KJ-600, or models like the E-3 Sentry and A-50. However, it remains uncertain whether this radome, like those on the mentioned models, has a full 360° rotation capability.
Entering the realm of speculation, it is likely that the KJ-3000 houses some of the most advanced AESA radars and antennas within its radome and fuselage, providing it with comprehensive situational awareness in its operational environment. Furthermore, like the latest aircraft of this type under development, it is presumed that, in addition to early warning and control functions, it may also have intelligence collection and processing capabilities (ELINT/SIGINT), as well as electronic warfare systems for self-protection aimed at degrading enemy air defense and missile systems.
Finally, it is worth highlighting the significant efforts undertaken by the People’s Liberation Army to modernize and enhance its AEW&C capabilities through the introduction of new platforms. These include the development of the KJ-500 and KJ-700, based on the Shaanxi Y-9 airframe, and the future KJ-600 designed for deployment on the Fujian aircraft carrier. Additionally, the KJ-2000, based on the Russian Ilyushin Il-76, remains the most powerful AEW&C platform in their arsenal to date.
