Chengdu J-15

The Chengdu J-15, also known as the Flying Shark, is a twin-engine, carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft developed by the People’s Republic of China for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The aircraft represents China’s progress in naval aviation, designed to operate from aircraft carriers and to project air superiority at sea. It plays a pivotal role in the modernisation of China’s naval air arm and reflects the nation’s broader strategic ambition to develop a blue-water navy capable of power projection beyond its coastal waters.

Background and Development

The development of the J-15 is closely linked to China’s efforts to establish a capable carrier strike group. The programme began in the early 2000s under the leadership of the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). While it is commonly associated with Chengdu in popular references, the aircraft’s principal manufacturer is SAC. The J-15 is largely based on the Soviet-designed Sukhoi Su-33, the naval variant of the Su-27. China reportedly obtained one of the Su-33 prototypes from Ukraine in the late 1990s, using it as a reference for domestic design and adaptation.
The J-15 made its first flight on 31 August 2009, marking a significant milestone for Chinese naval aviation. The aircraft was later integrated with the Liaoning aircraft carrier, a refurbished Soviet Kuznetsov-class vessel commissioned into the PLAN in 2012. Operational testing on the Liaoning began in earnest in 2012, leading to the aircraft’s official entry into service in 2013.

Design and Technical Features

The Chengdu J-15 retains the aerodynamic layout of the Su-33, featuring a twin-tail configuration, canard foreplanes, and twin AL-31F engines (initially Russian-supplied). These design elements enhance the aircraft’s manoeuvrability and short take-off performance — vital for carrier operations. More recent variants are equipped with the indigenously developed WS-10A “Taihang” engines, providing greater reliability and performance autonomy.
Key features include:

• Length: Approximately 21.9 metres
• Wingspan: 14.7 metres
• Maximum speed: Around Mach 2.4
• Combat radius: Roughly 1,500 km
• Maximum take-off weight: Approximately 33,000 kg

The J-15 is capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, integrating advanced avionics, radar systems, and electronic warfare equipment. It supports a variety of weaponry, including PL-8, PL-12, and PL-15 air-to-air missiles, as well as precision-guided bombs and anti-ship missiles such as the YJ-83K. The aircraft also houses an internal 30 mm cannon for close-range engagements.

Variants and Modernisation

Since its induction, several variants of the J-15 have been developed to improve combat effectiveness and expand operational capabilities:

• J-15S: A two-seat variant designed for training and potential strike missions.
• J-15D: An electronic warfare (EW) version, comparable to the American EA-18G Growler, intended to provide electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defences.
• J-15T: Modified with strengthened landing gear and catapult launch capability for use on China’s newer, catapult-equipped carriers such as the Shandong and Fujian.
• J-15B: An upgraded version featuring an advanced AESA radar, improved cockpit displays, and compatibility with modern Chinese weapon systems.

The evolution of these variants demonstrates China’s ongoing efforts to create a flexible and technologically sophisticated carrier-based fleet comparable to Western counterparts.

Operational Role and Deployment

The J-15 serves as the primary fixed-wing combat aircraft aboard China’s aircraft carriers, including the Liaoning (CV-16) and Shandong (CV-17). It performs multiple roles such as fleet air defence, maritime strike, reconnaissance, and limited electronic warfare. The aircraft has participated in numerous carrier qualification trials and live-fire exercises, contributing to the PLAN’s growing experience in carrier operations.
However, the J-15’s performance has been constrained by the ski-jump launch system used on China’s first two carriers, which limits its take-off weight and fuel load. This restricts operational range and payload compared to catapult-launched fighters. The introduction of electromagnetic catapult systems on the Fujian (CV-18) is expected to mitigate these limitations and fully unlock the aircraft’s potential.

Comparisons and Strategic Significance

Often compared to the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the J-15 occupies a similar role but faces different design challenges. While the J-15 is heavier and capable of higher speeds, it lacks the operational maturity and carrier integration experience of its American counterpart. Nevertheless, it represents a crucial transitional step for China’s carrier aviation.
Strategically, the J-15 has significant implications for regional security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific. Its deployment enhances China’s ability to assert control over disputed maritime territories, notably in the South China Sea and East China Sea. The aircraft also provides a foundation for developing next-generation naval fighters, such as the rumoured J-35 stealth carrier jet.

Criticism and Limitations

Despite its capabilities, the J-15 has faced criticism regarding operational reliability and carrier suitability. Reports suggest that the aircraft’s high weight and engine performance issues have posed challenges during carrier operations, including several accidents during testing phases. Furthermore, its lack of stealth features limits survivability in modern high-threat environments dominated by advanced radar systems.
The reliance on ski-jump take-offs significantly constrains payload and fuel efficiency, restricting mission endurance. These factors have driven the development of next-generation carrier aircraft that can operate with electromagnetic catapults and improved stealth designs.

Future Prospects

The J-15 remains a vital component of China’s naval modernisation, serving as both an operational platform and a technological stepping stone. The ongoing introduction of the J-35 stealth fighter and J-15B upgrades indicate a gradual transition towards a more advanced carrier air wing capable of extended-range operations and multi-domain warfare integration.