The T-10K-3, an unfinished prototype of theSu-33,[5] was acquired by SAC fromUkraine[6] in 2001 and is claimed to have been studied extensively andreverse-engineered, with development on the J-15 beginning immediately afterward.[7][8] While the J-15 appears to be structurally based on the prototype of Su-33, the fighter features indigenous Chinese technologies as well asavionics from theShenyang J-11B program.[9] In February 2018, discussions about replacing the aircraft appeared in several Chinese media outlets includingXinhua and China's main military newspaper, discussing that it belongs to the 4th- or4.5-generation fighters. Thus, the J-15 is viewed as an interim carrier-based fighter until afifth-generation successor enters service, theShenyang J-35.
China has sought to purchaseSu-33s from Russia on several occasions—an unsuccessful offer was made as late as March 2009[10]—but negotiations collapsed in 2006 after it was discovered that China had developed a modified version[11][12][13] of theSukhoi Su-27SK, designated theShenyang J-11B,[14][15] in violation ofintellectual property agreements. However, according to Chinese sources, the reason China withdrew from talks was that Russia wanted large payments to re-open Su-33 production lines and insisted on a Chinese purchase of at least 50 Su-33s, about which China was reluctant as it believed the aircraft would become outdated in a few years. China hence decided on an indigenous variant instead of continuing to assemble the J-11, the licensed Chinese version ofSu-27.[16][17]
The J-15 program was officially started in 2006 with the codename Flying Shark.[18] The program goal was to develop a naval-capable fighter aircraft from the Shenyang J-11, with technologies reverse-engineered from T-10K-3, a Soviet Su-33 prototype acquired fromUkraine.[19] The first J-15 prototype made itsmaiden flight on August 31, 2009, believed to be powered by Russian-suppliedSaturn AL-31turbofan engines.[9] Video and still images of the flight were released in July 2010, showing the same basic airframe design as the Su-33.[20]
In 2016, the J-15T prototype withCATOBAR capability began test flight at PLAN land-based catapult facilities.[23] In November 2020,Jane's reported that SAC had produced a second prototype of the J-15T fighter aircraft.[24]
In 2021, analysts reported work on an upgraded variant, referred to as the "J-15B",[25] with new avionics, engines, andCATOBAR launch capability. The upgrade variant of J-15 is capable of launching newerPL-10 andPL-15 missiles.[26] The J-11D upgrade program reportedly contributed to the subsystems of the "J-15B".[27]
In November 2022, a production J-15 powered by theShenyang WS-10, possibly the WS-10B, appeared in Chinese media.[28] It was the last indigenous Chinese combat aircraft to replace the AL-31;[29] possibly due tonavalisation.[30] According to Chinese observers, compared to the AL-31 the WS-10 had superior safety, reliability, and service life, aspects which are magnified by the constraints of carrier aviation.[31]
The airframe of the J-15 is structurally reinforced for carrier landing and launching, with the addition of a tailhook and strengthened landing gears.[18] The aircraft incorporated a higher portion of composite materials than theSukhoi Su-33 to save weight and improve aerodynamic performance, allowing for a slower landing speed compared to Su-33.[19]
An article in theChina SignPost believes the J-15 "likely exceeds or matches theaerodynamic capabilities of virtually any fighter aircraft currently operated by regional militaries, except for theU.S.F-22 Raptor", alleging that the J-15 likely possesses a 10% greaterthrust-to-weight ratio and 25% lowerwing loading than theF/A-18E/F Super Hornet.[32][33] However, one of the authors of that same article described the J-15 in another article as no game changer; the reliance on ski-jump launches and lack of Chinese carrier-basedaerial refueling capabilities are believed to greatly reduce its effectivecombat range.[34] In 2014, it was revealed that the J-15 is capable of aerial refueling, using the UPAZ-1 buddy refueling pod, which can be carried by another J-15.[35] Hu Siyuan of thePLA National Defense University said that "the current weak point of the J-15 is its Russian-made AL-31 engines, which are less powerful than that of the AmericanF-35 fighter".[36]
The J-15's chief designer, Sun Cong of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has said that the J-15 could match the F/A-18 in bomb load, combat radius and mobility. However, in a similar statement, he said more work was required on its electronics and combat systems.[37] Rear AdmiralYin Zhuo stated that the aircraft's air combat capabilities were better than that of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. However, he also stated that its ability to attack land and sea targets was slightly inferior to the F/A-18E/F; it is also stated that its electronic equipment meets the standards of those on afifth-generation fighter.[38]
Shenyang J-15 fighter jets on the aircraft carrierLiaoning, July 2017
The J-15 may be operating from the aircraft carriersLiaoning andShandong. The carriers have two launch positions. The waist position has a runway length of 195 m, and the two forward positions have a runway length of 105 m. The take-off weight of the J-15 depends on the launch position and carrier speed. For ship speed at 28 knots, J-15's maximum take-off weight is 33 tons (with 9 tons of internal fuel and a 6.5-ton external payload) for the waist position. The maximum weight is 28 tons (9-ton internal fuel and 1.5-ton external payload) for the forward position. However, when the carrier moves at 20 knots, MTOW at the waist position is reduced to 31 tons.[1]
On 25 November 2012, Chinese media reported that two J-15s had madearrested landings onLiaoning..[39][40][41] The first landing was made by pilot Dai Mingmeng (戴明盟).[42]Luo Yang, the aircraft's head of production and designer, died the same day.[43]PLA Daily newspaper indicated that the first five naval pilots (including Dai) conducted J-15 fighter landings and takeoffs. Test and training program officials confirmed the carrier-borne aircraft and special equipment for the landing flight had gone through strict tests, and fighter jets can be deployed on the carrier.[44]
In December 2013, Chinese media reported thatmass production of J-15s in full operational condition with combat markings had begun.[45]
A J-15 taking off from theLiaoning
In January 2017,Liaoning conducted take-off and landing drills with its J-15s in theSouth China Sea after its first deployment into theWestern Pacific.[46]
In July 2018,PLAAFLieutenant General Zhang Honghe reported that a carrier-based replacement for the J-15 was in development after two crashes and "unpardonable mechanical failures". One issue was the limited payload due to the weight of the aircraft - theempty weight is 17,500 kg (38,600 lb) compared to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's 14,600 kg - and operating from aSTOBAR carrier.[47][48]
In October 2024, Chinese state media reported the J-15T and J-15D flying withLiaoning andShandong in the South China Sea, suggesting the aircraft had entered service.[49] Both aircraft were officially revealed at theChina International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition the next month.[50][51][52]
In April 2016, a J-15 crashed into the ocean after experiencing a flight control system failure. The pilot, Cao Xianjian,ejected shortly before impact, below the altitude needed for the parachute to function; he was severely injured upon landing.[53]
On 27 April 2016, a J-15 crashed during a simulated landing when a flight control system malfunction caused the aircraft to pitch up to 80 degrees. The pilot, Zhang Chao, ejected below the altitude needed for the parachute to function; he eventually died from injuries sustained upon landing, and was posthumously awarded the First ClassOrder of Heroic Exemplar on 30 November.[54][55]
In July 2017,[56] a J-15 suffered a left engine fire afteringesting a bird shortly after takeoff. The pilot, Yuan Wei, with the aid of instructions from air traffic controllers, performed an emergency landing and ground crews extinguished the fire.[57]
On 15 March 2025, a J-15 crashed near Jialai Town in theHainan Province of China. The aircraft's nose down, tail up position, along with it flying with gear down at slow speeds indicates that the aircraft was trying to land when the incident happened, however the cause is still being investigated. Reports say that the pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft and no one was harmed in the incident.[58]
J-15S : Two-seat variant, first flown in 2012.[59][22]
J-15T : Improved variant of J-15 incorporatingCATOBAR launch capability, modernfifth-generation avionics,AESA radar, new airframes, stealth coatings, and compatibility to launchPL-10 andPL-15 missiles.[25] First seen in September 2016, with two prototypes built.[23][24] In active service as of October 2024.[49] Previously referred to asJ-15B in media.[50]
J-15D : Two-seatelectronic warfare variant withEW pods and other electronic equipment installed andIRST sensor removed.[22] Began operational testing in December 2018,[23][60] and entered service by October 2024.[49]
^Collins & Erickson, Gabe & Andrew (June 23, 2011)."China's J-15 No Game Changer".The Diplomat.Archived from the original on September 11, 2012. RetrievedNovember 25, 2012.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKwt2v28pPU
