By :SpaceEyeNews.
In a development that has sent ripples through defense circles, China has reportedly equipped its latest carrier-based fighter, the J-15T, with the PL-15, one of the most advanced long-range air-to-air missiles in the world. This revelation not only showcases the rapid evolution of China’s naval aviation but also significantly enhances the combat reach of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) across contested maritime regions.
More than a technological milestone, this move underscores China’s commitment to turning its aircraft carriers into true floating fortresses—capable of projecting power far beyond its shores. As strategic competition intensifies in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and the wider Indo-Pacific, this new pairing could reshape how naval air combat is fought in the decades to come.
J-15T: China’s CATOBAR-Capable Naval Fighter
The J-15T, often referred to as the “Flying Shark”, is the most advanced variant of China’s J-15 naval fighter series. Originally based on the Russian Su-33, the aircraft has been extensively modified with indigenous technologies to meet the specific needs of China’s growing aircraft carrier fleet.
What sets the J-15T apart is its compatibility with CATOBAR (Catapult-Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) operations. Unlike earlier J-15 models that relied on ski-jump ramps (STOBAR systems), the J-15T is designed for electromagnetic catapults—allowing it to launch with a full payload of fuel and weapons. This is a core requirement for operating from China’s newest and most capable aircraft carrier, the Type 003 Fujian, which was launched in 2022 and is currently undergoing sea trials.
The ability to launch heavier, better-armed aircraft from carriers gives the PLAN a decisive boost in combat capability. The J-15T benefits from:
- Advanced AESA radar, providing extended detection and targeting range (over 200 km).
- WS-10B turbofan engines, replacing older Russian AL-31s, with higher thrust and better reliability.
- Reinforced airframe and landing gear, suitable for high-stress catapult launches and carrier recoveries.
- Reduced weight from internal redesigns, improving maneuverability and endurance.
According to comparative specifications:
| Feature | J-15 | J-15B | J-15T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Type | STOBAR | STOBAR | CATOBAR |
| Radar | Mechanical | AESA | Advanced AESA |
| Engines | AL-31 | WS-10 | WS-10B |
| Speed | Mach 2.4 | Mach 2.4 | Mach 2.4 |
| Weapons | PL-12, PL-8 | PL-12, PL-10 | PL-15, PL-10 |
These enhancements make the J-15T not just survivable but lethal in the modern aerial battlefield—especially when paired with long-range weapons like the PL-15.
PL-15 Missile: A Game-Changer in BVR Combat
The PL-15, also known as the Thunderbolt-15, is a Chinese-made beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile with performance figures that rival or surpass those of Western and Russian counterparts. Designed to intercept enemy aircraft at extreme distances, it is seen as a key enabler in China’s strategy of air superiority through early engagement.
Key specifications of the PL-15:
- Range: Estimated at 200–300 km for the domestic variant. Export version (PL-15E) is limited to 145 km in compliance with arms regulations.
- Speed: Reported to exceed Mach 5, allowing it to close distances rapidly.
- Guidance: Uses an active radar seeker for terminal phase targeting, combined with a two-way data link for mid-course corrections.
- Compatibility: Can be deployed externally on non-stealth aircraft or internally on stealth fighters like the J-20.
What truly distinguishes the PL-15 is its networked warfare capability. The missile can receive updated targeting data during flight—not just from the launching aircraft, but from early warning systems or other platforms within China’s integrated air combat network. This feature significantly improves hit probability against maneuvering or stealth targets in contested environments with active jamming.
Furthermore, its compact, foldable-fin design reduces aerodynamic drag and allows for flexible deployment on a variety of platforms, enhancing China’s ability to adapt across mission profiles.
Strategic Implications: Shifting Power in the Indo-Pacific
The pairing of the J-15T and PL-15 missile has far-reaching implications—not just for China’s military posture, but for the broader balance of naval power across the Indo-Pacific.
1. Strengthening A2/AD Capabilities
China’s Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) strategy is centered on pushing adversary forces away from its mainland and maritime claims. By extending the strike radius of carrier-based fighters with long-range BVR missiles, China can:
- Engage incoming threats before they enter contested airspace.
- Intercept reconnaissance and patrol aircraft such as the U.S. Navy’s P-8 Poseidon or E-2D Hawkeye.
- Deter strike groups and carrier task forces from operating near the First Island Chain.
With early detection enabled by AEW&C aircraft and long-range engagement through PL-15s, the PLAN now has the tools to exert air superiority hundreds of kilometers from its carriers.
2. Redefining Carrier Warfare
Unlike traditional naval aviation where close-range air superiority was decisive, the J-15T/PL-15 combo pushes that fight much farther out. Naval fighters are no longer just fleet defenders — they are now long-range offensive assets.
When deployed from Type 003 Fujian, the J-15T could operate alongside a robust suite of support platforms, including:
- KJ-600 early warning aircraft
- Electromagnetic catapult-launched drones
- Maritime surveillance satellites
This comprehensive force structure allows China to coordinate large-scale air defense zones at sea — similar to what the U.S. Navy achieves with its F/A-18E/Fs, E-2D Hawkeyes, and EA-18G Growlers.
3. Comparative Threat Landscape
A brief look at competing platforms shows how China’s new system stacks up:
| Fighter | Country | Max Range | Primary Weapons | Radar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J-15T | China | ~1500 km | PL-15, PL-10 | AESA |
| F/A-18E/F | U.S. | ~1900 km | AIM-120D, AIM-9X | AESA |
| Rafale-M | France | ~1850 km | Meteor, MICA | AESA |
| MiG-29K | Russia | ~1300 km | R-77, R-73 | Mechanical |
While the U.S. retains a broader carrier presence and superior electronic warfare systems, the PL-15’s range and the J-15T’s upgraded avionics help level the playing field—especially in engagements where first-look and first-shot capabilities matter most.
Next Steps: China’s Naval Air Future
The J-15T is a critical bridge in China’s broader vision for a blue-water navy—capable of operating far beyond its territorial waters. With three carriers already active (Liaoning, Shandong, Fujian) and at least three more planned by 2035, China aims to establish continuous carrier presence in key global hotspots.
But the J-15T is only the beginning.
Upcoming Developments Include:
- J-35 Stealth Fighter: A fifth-generation carrier-based jet designed to rival the U.S. F-35C. Expected to carry PL-15 internally for stealth compatibility.
- Advanced drones: Unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs) that may assist in reconnaissance or missile relaying.
- AI-driven combat systems: Enhancing pilot decision-making, threat prioritization, and missile targeting in real time.
The PLAN is clearly investing in a multi-layered strike ecosystem—one that links fighters, missiles, carriers, drones, and satellites into a seamless combat web. This enables operations across air, sea, space, and cyber domains simultaneously.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Carrier Warfare
The integration of the PL-15 missile onto the J-15T carrier-based fighter is a clear signal: China is not just modernizing its military—it is rewriting the rules of air combat at sea. With longer reach, smarter sensors, and tighter battlefield integration, Beijing’s naval air arm has evolved from a regional force into a global one.
For rival nations and defense analysts, this isn’t just another platform announcement. It’s a strategic inflection point—one that highlights how rapidly the dynamics of air power are changing over the world’s most contested waters.
Reference:
https://internationaldefenceanalysis.com/j-15t-equipped-with-advanced-pl-15-air-to-air-missiles/