An advanced Chinese carrier-based warplane is set to make its maiden appearance at the country’s largest airshow.
The fourth-generation J-15D is equipped with technology designed to counter radar and missile systems and has been described by one military news portal as the world’s “most potent carrier-based electronic attack aircraft”.
“Compared with the traditional J-15, the main improvement of the J-15D lies in the upgraded avionics and weapon systems, and optimised airframe structure. So it has more powerful combat capability, and can also better adapted to the requirements of the new aircraft carriers,” Li Jian, a navy specialist, told state-owned broadcaster CCTV.
The J-15, also known as the Flying Shark, is based on the Soviet Su-33 and the planes are currently stationed on the Liaoning and Shandong carriers.
According to Pentagon reports, the two-seat aircraft is designed to carry out long-range anti-ship and ground attacks and is equipped with electronic intelligence-gathering pods.
Military Watch Magazine, said the J-15D is expected to “significantly improve survivability by jamming enemy sensors, while also providing a highly potent asset for air defence suppression”.
It added that the J-15D is “very likely the world’s most potent carrier-based electronic attack aircraft”. The plane is expected to be among those stationed on the Fujian, the country’s most advanced carrier, once it finishes sea trials.
