In a historic move, a J-15T carrier-borne fighter jet arrived in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, on Wednesday in preparation for the 15th Airshow China 2024, marking the debut participation of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in the highly-anticipated defense and aerospace exhibition. The J-15T, an upgraded variant of China’s first carrier-based fighter jet, not only represents advancements in China’s naval aviation but also underscores the country’s push toward expanding its military capabilities on a global scale.
The airshow, scheduled to take place from November 12 to 17, is expected to draw significant attention, as the PLA Navy unveils its enhanced fleet and technological innovations in defense. This marks a defining moment in China’s military aviation as it showcases its most advanced technologies, alongside counterparts such as Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 fighter.
Touching down at Zhuhai Jinwan Airport at noon, the J-15T was promptly met by maintenance teams from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the state-owned conglomerate responsible for developing many of China’s defense technologies. The fighter jet’s arrival generated a buzz on social media as images circulated, with defense enthusiasts worldwide noting the sleek design and advanced capabilities of this latest iteration of the “Flying Shark,” China’s powerful 4.5-generation carrier-based fighter.
The light gray aircraft attracted immediate attention with its reinforced front landing gear, which experts noted had been redesigned to accommodate the extreme tractive force required by catapult-assisted launches. This enhancement suggests a clear role for the J-15T on the PLA Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which utilizes an electromagnetic catapult launch system.
Originally based on the Soviet Su-33, the J-15 has been deployed on China’s first two aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, both equipped with ski-jump ramps for launching aircraft. However, with the introduction of the J-15T, China’s naval aviation capabilities are poised to undergo a significant shift. The “T” in J-15T, which stands for tanshe, or catapult-launch, highlights the aircraft’s adaptability to the catapult launch systems used on the Fujian. This technology advancement not only improves the efficiency of takeoffs but also enhances the operational range and payload capacity of the aircraft.
Military expert Zhang Xuefeng noted in a statement to the Global Times that the J-15T’s enhanced front landing gear is an essential modification for adjusting to the increased force exerted by the electromagnetic catapult system. This upgrade allows the aircraft to be launched more frequently and with heavier payloads, a critical factor for sustained carrier-based operations.
The J-15T arrives as a multirole fighter boasting several new design features and technologies, which make it a formidable asset in modern naval warfare:
Advanced Radar Technology: The fighter jet is likely equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system. This advanced radar allows for superior target tracking and engagement capabilities, providing the J-15T with a substantial advantage in air superiority missions.
- Redesigned Nose Dome: Observers noted a change in the nose dome’s color, indicating new radar systems beneath. The change from deep gray to light gray, along with the bulkier nose design, suggests significant avionics upgrades.
- Reinforced Gear and Launch Bar: The aircraft’s front landing gear is bulkier than its predecessor, while the landing gear’s shock-absorbing struts are better equipped to withstand the force of catapult launches.
- Compatibility with the Fujian Carrier: With its electromagnetic catapult system, the Fujian will be able to launch aircraft more rapidly and efficiently than older carriers, maximizing the J-15T’s combat potential.
These advancements position the J-15T as a 4.5-generation fighter capable of multirole missions and compatible with various carrier operations, making it an integral component of China’s evolving naval aviation strategy.
Before the aircraft’s official unveiling, the upgraded J-15 was featured in joint exercises involving the Liaoning and Shandong carriers, showcasing its capabilities in a dual-carrier group exercise in the South China Sea in October. This event demonstrated the PLA Navy’s growing ability to conduct sophisticated operations involving multiple carriers—a capability traditionally dominated by the U.S. Navy. These exercises serve as a testament to China’s ambition to project naval power and secure its maritime interests amid increasing regional tensions.
Additionally, this exercise provided the public debut of other J-15 variants, including the J-15B and J-15D models, highlighting the versatility of the J-15 platform. The J-15B serves as a multirole fighter, while the J-15D is designed for electronic warfare, further enhancing the navy’s ability to conduct complex, coordinated operations.
The announcement of the J-15T’s debut was closely followed by the PLA Air Force’s revelation of the J-35A, a medium-sized stealth fighter that is also expected to make an appearance at Airshow China 2024. Developed by AVIC, the J-35A is designed for air superiority missions and countering fourth and fifth-generation fighters. Its multirole capabilities extend to targeting land and sea-based threats, making it a versatile addition to the PLA Navy’s arsenal.
According to AVIC’s chief expert Wang Yongqing, the J-35A can perform a variety of missions, including intercepting aerial threats such as fighters, bombers, and cruise missiles. This stealth fighter’s impending integration with China’s aircraft carriers reflects the nation’s intention to field a diverse, modernized fleet capable of projecting power beyond its borders.
The participation of both the J-15T and J-35A in Airshow China 2024 sends a strong message regarding China’s commitment to expanding its naval aviation capabilities. The unveiling of these advanced aircraft not only underscores China’s ambition to enhance its military influence in the Asia-Pacific region but also signals a broader intent to establish a global military presence.
China’s aircraft carriers, once viewed as a symbolic display of power, are now evolving into credible platforms for sustained maritime operations. With the introduction of catapult-capable fighters like the J-15T, the PLA Navy can increase its operational efficiency and readiness. Furthermore, the combination of the J-15T and the stealth J-35A gives China the capability to conduct a range of missions, from air superiority and electronic warfare to ground and maritime strikes.
Airshow China 2024 will be a landmark event, marking the PLA Navy’s first official participation in this biennial event. The debut of the J-15T, alongside other state-of-the-art Chinese military aircraft, illustrates a significant leap forward for China’s naval aviation. The exhibition of these advancements is not only a demonstration of technological progress but also a symbol of China’s growing confidence and influence on the international stage.
By fielding the J-15T and J-35A, China is enhancing its ability to conduct long-range maritime operations, project power, and safeguard its interests in contested areas. As these aircraft prepare to enter full operational status, China is poised to elevate its status in the global defense arena and challenge established powers.
With the spotlight firmly on Zhuhai, Airshow China 2024 will offer a firsthand glimpse of the future of Chinese naval aviation and the country’s aspirations as a rising military power. As these developments unfold, China’s increasing sophistication in defense technology and strategic naval aviation may well reshape the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
