J-15

The J‑15, often called the “Flying Shark,” is a heavy, carrier‑based fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation for the People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force. Its origins trace back to the early 2000s when China sought a domestically produced aircraft capable of operating from its newly commissioned aircraft carriers, particularly the Liaoning. Drawing heavily on the design and systems of the Russian Sukhoi Su‑33, the J‑15 incorporates a twin‑engine, low‑by‑pass turbofan layout that delivers roughly 120 kN of thrust, enabling take‑off and landing on short flight decks aided by a catapult and ski‑jumps. The airframe features reinforced landing gear, an arrestor hook, and foldable wings to maximize carrier storage. Modernized avionics include a multimode radar, digital fly‑by‑wire controls, and a glass cockpit that support beyond‑visual‑range missiles, precision‑guided munitions, and air‑to‑air weapons.

Since its entry into service in 2013, the J‑15 has become central to China’s maritime power projection, demonstrating the nation’s ability to field indigenous carrier‑capable fighters. Its operational deployment underscores a strategic shift, allowing the PLAN to conduct air superiority, strike, and reconnaissance missions from sea, thereby expanding China’s reach in the Indo‑Pacific region and marking a milestone in the country’s aviation industry.

Shenyang Aircraft Corporation

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Production & History

Design & Classification