Latest news with #ShenyangJ-15
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Our Best Look At China's New J-15DT Carrier-Based Electronic Warfare Jet
A new image provides our best view of the latest addition to China's growing family of Shenyang J-15 carrier-based fighter series, the J-15DT electronic warfare version. There is also some indication that it may have entered operational service, or got very close to it. Crucially, this electronic attack Flanker is outfitted for operations aboard catapult-equipped aircraft carriers like the Fujian. Evidence emerged recently suggesting this carrier may have begun to host fixed-wing aircraft trials. Overall, progress with the J-15DT program points not only to the scope of China's carrier aviation ambitions, but also the growing focus on catapult-assisted takeoff but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) operations, which offer many advantages. The recently emerged photo, seen at the top of this story, shows an airborne J-15DT seen with at least three external electronic warfare pods, two on the pylons under the engine intake ducts and one (likely two) on the wingtips. It wears the low-visibility national and unit insignia and individual two-digit code number (in this case '23') associated with operational J-15s, which suggests that the aircraft could be a part of the frontline People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) inventory. At the same time, we shouldn't rule out the possibility of image manipulation by official sources or otherwise. Although the catapult launch bar is not visible, the aircraft can be confirmed as the CATOBAR version since it has gray tailfin caps and slightly different wingtip pods associated with this aircraft. Most likely, it also has a two-part front landing gear door. Some reports suggest the J-15DT also has the dorsal airbrake removed. The differences between the PLAN catapult-capable J-15DT and the ski-jump J-15DH. — Fay (@FaySue6) August 2, 2025 It remains possible that the aircraft seen here is a renumbered prototype J-15DT, examples of which have been seen in the past. At the very least, however, it appears indicative of this variant's march toward becoming part of the air wing of the Fujian, and potentially the PLAN's two earlier carriers. First-ever official footage of flight operations aboard China's newest, soon-to-be commissioned aircraft carrier, CNS Fujian (18)On the eve of the PLA's 98th anniversary, PRC media released video showcasing another major milestone: integration tests between the electromagnetic… — Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) July 31, 2025 The pace of development for the CATOBAR J-15DT — which is broadly similar to the U.S. Navy's EA-18G Growler, but likely also possessing a secondary strike mission — has been impressive. Only last October did evidence emerge of the J-15DH undergoing carrier trials. With their distinctive tandem two-seat cockpits and humped forward fuselages, these aircraft were noted aboard the carrier Shandong. This vessel, like the Liaoning before it, is equipped for short takeoff but assisted recovery (STOBAR) operations. Most critically, CATOBAR operations allow fixed-wing aircraft to take off with much heavier fuel and weapons loads. This has been a persistent shortcoming of the original J-15 versions operated from the Liaoning and Shandong. It would be a particular problem launching and recovering a J-15 electronic warfare variant from these vessels, due to their requirement to carry heavy external jamming pods as well as a large fuel load for escort missions. Furthermore, the Fujian is equipped with electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) type catapults — three in total — rather than the traditional steam-powered ones. While tricky to master, EMALS offers a range of advantages. These include increased sortie-generation rates due to lower reset times and the ability to better fine-tune the forces they exert on aircraft during launch, meaning that a wider range of aircraft types can be supported, including smaller and more fragile types, such as drones. At the same time, wear and tear on individual aircraft is reduced. As for the electronic warfare version of China's carrier-based Flanker, this is equally important for the PLAN's burgeoning carrier air wing. Reportedly, the prototype J-15DH first flew in late 2016 but was, at that time, still being STOBAR-configured. Like the land-based J-16D, this variant is characterized by large wingtip electronic warfare pods, a revised radome profile, and it has the standard infrared search and track (IRST) sensor and cannon removed. Additional conformal and blade antennas are located around the airframe, and further electronic warfare pods can be carried under the wings and below the fuselage. As we've discussed in the past, the J-15D series opens up a whole new range of missions for China's carriers. A key mission will be providing jamming support while directly escorting aircraft penetrating hostile territory, as well as while operating from a standoff distance. At the same time, there have been suggestions that the J-15D series could be a lot more than simply an escort jammer type, too. Some accounts suggest the J-15D series, like the land-based J-16D, is also intended for offensive operations, using anti-radiation missiles and perhaps other weapons. There are some questions about how powerful and effective the J-15DT's pods can be as they rely on internal power from the jet instead of an independent ram-air turbine. This could limit their power output and the potential to maximize the use of all pods at any given time. Pods are getting their power from the jet? Hmmm. — Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) December 19, 2024 Meanwhile, the J-15DT is just one of an expanding inventory of carrier-based aircraft, some of which have been tailored specifically for the Fujian and subsequent CATOBAR carriers, while others will be able to operate from the earlier STOBAR vessels as well. Chief among these is the PLAN's next carrier fighter, the stealthy J-35. While this was designed from the ground up for CATOBAR operations, there are also signs that it might also eventually embark on the Liaoning and Shandong. The PLAN is looking forward to introducing the KJ-600 carrier-based radar plane, which will play a role analogous to the E-2 Hawkeye as a critical force-multiplying airborne early warning and control and networking node aboard CATOBAR carriers. Then there is a growing portfolio of advanced uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAVs) and other types of drones that China is developing for launch from carriers and big-deck amphibious warfare ships. Recently, imagery of a new jet trainer, apparently based on the existing JL-10, also emerged. There are indications that this could be designed with carrier training in mind, something that will become more important as more carriers enter service and CATOBAR operations become more routine. Here a better one via Huitong's CMA-Blog@HarpiaP — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) August 1, 2025 At the same time, development of the J-15 series continues, with versions equipped for either CATOBAR or STOBAR operations. The upgraded, CATOBAR-capable J-15T single-seat multirole fighter was more or less confirmed to be in operational service last year, when a dozen of them were noted operating from the Shandong. The J-15T has a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and a more modern cockpit. There is also a two-seat J-15S, the airframe of which was used as the basis for the J-15D. The ultimate objective behind the two-seat J-15S remains unknown, with conflicting reports that it is intended as a carrier trainer, a multirole strike fighter, or simply as a testbed. Meanwhile, it appears to have entered PLAN service in a land-based role, although carrier-based service could well follow, in one form or another. With the Fujian reportedly expected to enter operational service by the end of this year, we can expect to learn much more about the carrier and its capabilities, including its all-important air wing. Contact the author: thomas@
Japan Forward
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
What Was That Lame Response to Chinese Fighter Jets' Reckless Behavior?
Recently, a Chinese Shenyang J-15 fighter jet launched from China's Shandong aircraft carrier made abnormal approaches towards a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) P-3C patrol aircraft on a routine surveillance mission over the Pacific Ocean. Two encounters occurred west of Japan's Okinotorishima Island. First, a Chinese fighter jet tracked the MSDF patrol aircraft for approximately 40 minutes on June 7. Then, a J-15 repeated the aggression by tracking Japan's MSDF plane for roughly 80 minutes on June 8. On each day, the Chinese fighters came within about 45 meters of Japan's patrol plane. Moreover, on June 8, the Chinese jet cut across the path of the MSDF aircraft about 900 meters ahead of it. These Chinese military flight maneuvers were extremely dangerous and unusual and are totally unacceptable. All monitoring and surveillance activities by the MSDF aircraft complied with international rules. They presented no threat or problem whatsoever. China should admit and apologize for its wrongdoing in flying its fighter jets in an aggressive and hazardous manner near the Japanese propeller patrol plane. Chinese Navy aircraft carrier "Shandong" (Provided by the Ministry of Defense Joint Staff Office) Chinese Navy aircraft carrier "Liaoning" (Provided by the Ministry of Defense Joint Staff Office) Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi conveyed Japan's serious concerns about the incidents to Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao. He also called for China to prevent any recurrence of such incidents. However, it was a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson who responded. For the ministry, the spokesperson asserted China's activities were fully consistent with international law and practices and called on Japan to stop its "dangerous behavior" of "close-range reconnaissance." It goes to prove the old adage, "A thief is by nature defiant." Moreover, an unrepentant Chinese military will likely repeat its provocations. Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff of Japan's Self-Defense Forces, directly responded to the matter. At a press conference, he stated: "We will be implementing even stricter vigilance and surveillance. We recognize that [the approach] was intentional. If we relax our vigilance and surveillance, it will only encourage. We will firmly maintain our will and capability to deter , " Yoshida's statement evinces his strong determination to defend the country. We look to him and the SDF to fulfill their mission. Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya The reactions of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, however, have been pathetic. Such an aggressive approach by foreign combat aircraft is a problem comparable to an airspace violation. Why didn't the Prime Minister and foreign minister lodge firm protests with Beijing rather than just expressing "serious concern?" Remonstrations were made to the Chinese side at levels below the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs from June 10. That was two days after the second incident. Yet, the vice minister himself did not make a request for another two days, until June 12. That was five days after the first incident. It was also the day after the Ministry of Defense made the incidents public. Any national leader who cannot express the nation's rightful anger is not fit to represent the country. That includes the Prime Minister and the foreign minister. United States Ambassador to Japan George Glass wrote about the incident on the social media platform X. The recent dangerous maneuver by a Chinese fighter jet that put Japanese crewmembers' lives in peril must be another of Beijing's "good neighbor" efforts. Whether it's harassing Philippine ships, attacking Vietnamese fishermen, or firing flares at Australian aircraft, Beijing… — ジョージ・グラス駐日米国大使 (@USAmbJapan) June 12, 2025 He outright stated that the dangerous maneuvers by the Chinese fighter "put Japanese crewmembers' lives in peril." Moreover, he labeled the Chinese aircraft's actions "reckless aggression." It is high time that Japan's Prime Minister, Cabinet members, and other politicians speak out so forthrightly. This incident occurred while two Chinese aircraft carriers, the Shandong and Liaoning, were deployed simultaneously in the Western Pacific. It was the first time for such a joint mobilization. The Liaoning was also the first Chinese aircraft carrier to operate east of the Second Island Chain, which stretches from Japan's Ogasawara Islands to the US territory of Guam. Unless it puts more effort into Pacific Ocean defense, Japan will be putting itself at risk. (Read the editorial in Japanese .) Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
West Australian
11-06-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Chinese aircraft carriers enter Pacific Ocean for first time, challenging US dominance near Japan
The Chinese Navy has sent its two aircraft carriers into the Pacific for the first time, demonstrating to the world its ability as a naval power to threaten America's dominance of the world's biggest ocean. Two carrier battle groups led by the Liaoning and the Shandong operated near the Japanese island of Iwo Jima over the weekend, the Japanese Government reported. It is the first time either of the carriers have sailed that far west, military experts said. The People's Liberation Army Navy posted photos of the ships and aircraft on the X social media site, declaring they were engaged in routine training aimed at 'continuously enhancing the PLA Navy's capabilities of fulfilling the missions'. Operating the world's biggest navy by number of ships, China has embarked on an ambitious plan to build aircraft carriers to extend its military power far beyond its borders. A third carrier currently being tested would be almost as technologically advanced as its American counterparts, according a military analyst at the Lowy think tank in Sydney, Sam Roggeveen. 'It's a signal of what China's increasingly capable of,' he said. 'Traditionally the apex of naval in the modern age has been aircraft carriers and they are are showing they are on a path to having capabilities that are equal and maybe superior to that of the US.' Satellite photograph shows a fourth carrier may be under construction in the port of Dalian on the Yellow Sea. In response, Japan is building its first aircraft carriers since World War II. Never before has a Chinese carrier sailed beyond what is known as the First Island Chain, an informal maritime boundary that runs from southern Japan, east of Taiwan to the South China Sea. Each of the two carriers in operation probably carry 30 to 36 Shenyang J-15 jet fighters, Mr Roggeveen said, which are similar to the F/A-18F Super Hornets operated by the Royal Australian Air Force. 'Chinese naval vessels' activities in those waters are fully consistent with international law and international practices,' a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference in Beijing. 'Our national defence policy is defensive in nature.' The Shandong fleet sailed north of the island of Okinotorishima and flew jets and helicopters inside Japan's exclusive economic zone around the island, according to the Japanese government. With the aircraft carrier is a 'super-destroyer', two frigates and a supply ship. The Defence Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Russia Today
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
China showcases military drill near Taiwan (VIDEOS)
The Chinese military has published several videos showcasing a two-day exercise carried out near the self-administered Chinese island of Taiwan earlier this week. Launched by the Eastern Theater Command (ETC) of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Tuesday, the exercise, designated 'Strait Thunder', drew resources from multiple branches of the Chinese armed forces. Command spokesman Shi Yi stated that the maneuvers were focused on 'identification and verification, warning and expulsion, and interception and detention' of various targets. He described the drills as designed to prepare for a potential blockade of Taiwan. The PLA deployed the Shandong Aircraft Carrier Task Group for the exercise. The domestically produced flagship, commissioned in 2019, carries two dozen Shenyang J-15 naval fighter jets as its primary armament. These were showcased in a video released on Wednesday. .mediaplayer { min-height: 150px; } .jwplayer .jw-controls .jw-controlbar .jw-icon-cc { display: none; } .media__video_noscript { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; height: 100%; width: 100%; } .full_transcript_text { display: block; } Source: The Chinese People's Liberation Army social media Another clip from the ETC depicted an early morning alert at military barracks, followed by the deployment of rocket launch systems for a live-fire drill. The video suggested that the weapons could be deployed to directly target Taiwan's coastline in the event of an armed conflict. .mediaplayer { min-height: 150px; } .jwplayer .jw-controls .jw-controlbar .jw-icon-cc { display: none; } .media__video_noscript { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; height: 100%; width: 100%; } .full_transcript_text { display: block; } Source: The Chinese People's Liberation Army social media Footage released on Tuesday also featured PLA Air Force aircraft participating in the drill. .mediaplayer { min-height: 150px; } .jwplayer .jw-controls .jw-controlbar .jw-icon-cc { display: none; } .media__video_noscript { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; height: 100%; width: 100%; } .full_transcript_text { display: block; } Source: The Chinese People's Liberation Army social media Taiwan is governed by an administration rooted in nationalist forces that were defeated by the Communists during the Chinese Civil War in the 1940s. While Washington officially acknowledges Beijing's sovereignty over the island, it has provided military support to Taipei. Beijing views such arms supplies as encouraging Taiwanese officials to pursue formal independence from China. ''Taiwan independence' and peace in the Taiwan Strait are incompatible,' Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang emphasized in a statement on Wednesday. 'Pursuing 'Taiwanese independence' will only put Taiwan in a dangerous situation and plunge Taiwan compatriots into dire straits.' READ MORE: US not ready to fight China – Trump's pick for top general Beijing seeks a peaceful reunification but has warned that it is willing to use force to counteract any separatist efforts. The Defense Ministry labeled the government of incumbent President Lai Ching-te as 'crisis makers' and 'troublemakers' in its remarks about the 'Strait Thunder' exercises.
