China relies on Shenyang J-15 for aircraft carrier operations

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China relies on Shenyang J-15 for aircraft carrier operations

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By Sky Industry News

Dec 30, 2024

China's development of aircraft carriers and carrier-based fighter jets is a significant aspect of its growing military capabilities. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) currently operates three aircraft carriers: the Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian, with the latter undergoing sea trials. The main fighter jet used on these carriers is the Shenyang J-15.

The J-15 is a reverse-engineered version of Russia's Sukhoi Su-33, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It entered service in 2009 and features technologies from the Shenyang J-11B program. Despite its capabilities, some experts consider it technologically outdated compared to modern stealth fighters like the Lockheed Martin F-35C.

The Chinese military has acknowledged this limitation and is developing a next-generation stealth-enabled carrier-capable fighter based on the land-based Shenyang J-35. This new aircraft is expected to replace the J-15 within the next decade.

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The development of the J-15 began in 2006 after China acquired an unfinished Su-33 prototype from Ukraine. The first flight occurred in August 2009, powered by Russian-built Saturn AL-31 engines. Over time, China has introduced various modifications to improve performance and adaptability for different missions.

In recent years, China has demonstrated a version of the J-15 powered by domestically built Shenyang WS-10 engines, signaling progress in local engine production. The J-15 remains an essential component of China's naval air power despite limitations such as combat range and reliance on ski-jump launches.

Currently operating from Liaoning and Shandong carriers, the J-15 will soon be deployed on Fujian as well. While its operational history is limited due to China's lack of direct naval air combat engagements, analysts expect it to play a crucial role if regional conflicts arise.